Malta Fish Farming Expands Bluefin Tuna Exports to China
The company leverages a new joint processing platform to increase direct supply of farmed bluefin tuna to the Chinese market.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Organic Food
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Malta Fish Farming is ramping up its exports of bluefin tuna to China, building on a 2023 trade agreement that granted direct market access. The company aims to ship 1,000 tonnes of tuna annually following the establishment of a joint processing partnership.
Why it matters
The partnership with Shandong Ocean Group combines specialized fish supply with advanced processing capabilities, allowing for more efficient distribution of fresh tuna. This strategic move formalizes a long-term commercial relationship between the two nations.
Malta Fish Farming anticipates exporting 1,000 tonnes of bluefin tuna this year, a significant increase from the 200 tonnes delivered in 2024. The joint Ocean Star processing vessel currently maintains a daily capacity of 70 tonnes.
The players
Malta Fish Farming
An aquaculture firm that employs over 250 workers and specializes in the cultivation and export of bluefin tuna.
Shandong Ocean Group
A Chinese entity that partners with aquaculture producers to provide specialized processing and security capabilities for marine products.
The details
The collaboration involves a joint tuna processing platform that utilizes the ultra-low-temperature vessel Ocean Star to maintain freshness while operating in Maltese waters. To facilitate these deliveries, the firm opened a trading company in Shanghai.
Timeline
2004: First attempt to export tuna to China.
November 2023: Agreement signed for direct tuna market access.
2024: Company began delivering tuna to China.
June 2024: Joint processing platform established.
July 2026: Fertilized bluefin eggs cleared quarantine in Zhangzhou.
Culture Shift
This venture follows the 2023 China-Malta trade agreement, which provides the legal framework for direct agricultural and aquaculture access. It reflects a broader trend of international partnerships aimed at securing fresh, high-quality seafood supplies for the Chinese market.
For consumers, this trade expansion means greater availability of fresh, high-quality bluefin tuna in local Chinese markets. The company also intends to increase its workforce, which currently stands at over 250 employees, to support the growing export volume.
The takeaway
The successful quarantine of fertilized bluefin eggs in Zhangzhou suggests a long-term goal of shifting toward localized production in China. This move highlights how aquaculture firms are moving beyond simple export models to integrate directly into the destination country's supply chain.
Further reading
Learn more about global sourcing and quality standards on the Organic Food section page.
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