Molluscs from China have become an essential part of the global seafood trade. From frozen squid and cuttlefish to clams, mussels, scallops, and abalone, Chinese seafood processors supply large volumes of competitively priced molluscs to international markets. For importers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, and distributors across Africa and beyond, sourcing molluscs from China offers both commercial opportunities and logistical challenges.

Understanding how to buy and export molluscs from China efficiently is key to maintaining quality, compliance, and profitability. Wigmore Trading works closely with global buyers to streamline sourcing, inspection, documentation, and shipping—helping businesses secure reliable seafood supply chains.

Why Source Molluscs from China?

China is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of seafood, including a wide range of molluscs. The country’s extensive aquaculture infrastructure, advanced seafood processing facilities, and integrated cold chain logistics make it a leading supplier to international markets.

Commonly exported molluscs from China include:

• Frozen squid (whole, tubes, rings)

• Cuttlefish

• Mussels (half shell and whole)

• Clams and cockles

• Scallops

• Abalone

Chinese seafood processors often operate under international food safety standards such as HACCP, ISO certifications, and EU or US FDA registrations, depending on the target market. This makes it possible for importers to source products suitable for retail, foodservice, and industrial processing.

For African importers and FMCG distributors, China offers competitive pricing, scalable production, and consistent year-round availability—critical for maintaining supply in fast-growing seafood markets.

Key Considerations When Buying Molluscs from China

While the opportunity is clear, importing molluscs from China requires careful due diligence. Seafood is highly sensitive to temperature, handling, and regulatory compliance. Buyers must pay attention to several factors.

1. Product Quality and Specifications

Molluscs vary widely in size, grading, processing style, and packaging. Clear product specifications are essential. Buyers should define:

• Size range and grading

• Glazing percentage for frozen products

• Packaging type (bulk cartons, retail packs)

• Labelling requirements

• Processing standards

Without clear specifications, inconsistencies can occur between shipments. Wigmore Trading can help buyers align product requirements with approved Chinese suppliers and conduct pre-shipment inspections to ensure compliance.

2. Food Safety and Certifications

Seafood imports are tightly regulated in most countries. Importers must ensure:

• Health certificates issued by Chinese authorities

• HACCP compliance

• Microbiological testing results

• Compliance with destination country standards

For African importers, customs clearance can be delayed if documentation is incomplete. Working with an experienced trade partner reduces risk. Wigmore Trading supports clients with document verification and ensures that shipments meet regulatory requirements before dispatch.

3. Cold Chain and Shipping

Molluscs from China are typically shipped frozen in reefer containers. Maintaining a consistent temperature (often -18°C or below) is critical to preserving quality.

Buyers should confirm:

• Reefer container condition and monitoring

• Transit time to destination port

• Insurance coverage

• Proper container loading

Delays or temperature fluctuations can lead to product rejection. Wigmore Trading coordinates logistics and shipping arrangements to protect product integrity from port of origin to final destination.

Exporting Molluscs from China to Africa

Demand for seafood across West Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa continues to grow due to population expansion, urbanisation, and rising protein consumption. Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa import significant volumes of frozen seafood products.

However, African importers often face challenges including:

• Foreign exchange constraints

• Port congestion

• Customs compliance requirements

• Supplier reliability issues

Sourcing molluscs from China through a structured procurement process helps mitigate these risks. Wigmore Trading supports importers by managing supplier relationships, consolidating shipments where necessary, and coordinating export documentation to reduce delays at African ports.

Pricing and Market Trends

Global seafood prices fluctuate due to seasonality, fuel costs, aquaculture yields, and international demand. Squid and cuttlefish prices, for example, may rise during periods of reduced catch. Aquaculture products such as mussels and scallops are generally more price stable but still influenced by feed and operational costs.

Importers should monitor:

• Seasonal production cycles

• Global seafood demand

• Freight rates

• Currency exchange trends

Partnering with a sourcing specialist allows buyers to secure competitive contracts and maintain stable supply agreements. Wigmore Trading works with established Chinese seafood processors to negotiate reliable pricing while maintaining quality standards.

Risk Management in Seafood Trade

The international seafood trade carries inherent risks—quality discrepancies, shipment delays, regulatory changes, and supplier defaults. Risk management strategies include:

• Third-party inspection

• Supplier audits

• Diversifying sourcing channels

• Securing clear contracts with defined specifications

For companies new to importing molluscs from China, navigating these processes independently can be complex. Wigmore Trading can help structure transactions, verify suppliers, and oversee shipments to reduce exposure.

Building Long-Term Supply Partnerships

Sustainable seafood sourcing is increasingly important. Buyers should assess not only price and availability, but also traceability and responsible aquaculture practices. Establishing long-term partnerships with vetted Chinese processors supports consistency and brand reputation in destination markets.

By working with an experienced trade partner, importers can focus on distribution and sales while sourcing and export logistics are professionally managed. Wigmore Trading supports wholesale distributors, FMCG companies, and foodservice suppliers seeking dependable seafood imports from China.

Conclusion

Buying and exporting molluscs from China presents significant commercial opportunity for seafood importers and distributors. However, success depends on careful supplier selection, strict quality control, proper documentation, and efficient logistics.

With the right sourcing strategy and trade support, businesses can secure high-quality frozen squid, mussels, clams, scallops, and other molluscs at competitive prices.

Wigmore Trading can help. Our team supports importers with supplier verification, documentation management, quality assurance, and international shipping coordination.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing of molluscs from China and strengthen your seafood supply chain.