Top Indonesian Seafood Products
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest seafood producers, supported by its vast maritime territory, rich biodiversity, and long-standing fishing tradition. With growing demand for high-quality seafood in Asia, China and Thailand have become two of the most important export destinations for Indonesian seafood products.
In this article, we explore the top Indonesian seafood products exported to China and Thailand, why these markets demand them, and how Indonesia positions itself as a reliable global seafood supplier.
Why China & Thailand Are Key Markets for Indonesian Seafood
Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand why China and Thailand import large volumes of seafood from Indonesia:
- China
- Largest seafood consumer in the world
- High demand for raw materials for processing & re-export
- Strong preference for shrimp, squid, crab, and frozen fish
- Thailand
- Global seafood processing hub
- Imports raw seafood to process into value-added products
- Focus on tuna, shrimp, cuttlefish, and cephalopods
Indonesia’s strategic location, competitive pricing, and compliance with international standards make it a preferred supplier for both countries.
1. Frozen Shrimp (Vannamei & Black Tiger)
Frozen shrimp is Indonesia’s top seafood export to China and Thailand.
Popular Shrimp Types:
- Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Why It’s in Demand:
- High protein content
- Consistent size & quality
- Suitable for processing, retail, and foodservice
Export Forms:
- Head-on shell-on (HOSO)
- Headless shell-on (HLSO)
- Peeled & deveined (PD)
- Cooked frozen shrimp
Indonesia is known for antibiotic-controlled shrimp farming, which is highly valued in international markets.
2. Squid (Frozen & Cleaned)
Squid exports from Indonesia continue to grow, especially to China, where squid is a staple seafood ingredient.
Key Species:
- Loligo Squid
- Indian Squid
- Bigfin Reef Squid
Export Specifications:
- Whole round frozen
- Cleaned squid (tube & tentacles)
- IQF or block frozen
China imports Indonesian squid for:
- Domestic consumption
- Further processing and re-export
Thailand uses squid mainly as raw material for processed seafood products.
3. Cuttlefish & Octopus
Indonesia supplies high-quality cuttlefish and octopus from its eastern waters, particularly Sulawesi and Maluku.
Reasons for High Demand:
- Firm texture
- Natural taste
- Competitive pricing compared to Mediterranean sources
Common Export Forms:
- Whole frozen cuttlefish
- Cleaned octopus (flower cut or whole)
- IQF frozen octopus
These products are widely used in:
- Chinese seafood dishes
- Thai processed seafood exports
4. Tuna (Skipjack, Yellowfin & Bigeye)
Indonesia is among the top tuna producers in the world, making tuna a critical export commodity.
Main Tuna Types Exported:
- Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
- Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
- Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus)
Export Forms:
- Frozen whole tuna
- Tuna loins
- Precooked frozen tuna
Thailand is the global center for canned tuna, importing large volumes of Indonesian tuna as raw material.
China imports tuna mainly for processing and wholesale distribution.
5. Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)
Blue swimming crab is a premium Indonesian seafood export, especially valued in China.
Why Indonesian Crab Is Popular:
- Naturally sweet meat
- Wild-caught quality
- Sustainable fishing practices in many regions
Export Formats:
- Frozen whole crab
- Crab meat (pasteurized or frozen)
Indonesia’s crab industry supports thousands of coastal fishermen, making it both an economic and export priority.
6. Grouper & Snapper (Frozen Reef Fish)
China has strong demand for high-value reef fish, including live and frozen varieties.
Popular Species:
- Grouper (Epinephelus spp.)
- Red Snapper (Lutjanus spp.)
Export Uses:
- Premium seafood restaurants
- Wholesale fish markets
- Frozen retail products
Indonesia’s tropical waters produce consistent size and quality reef fish, making it competitive against other Southeast Asian exporters.
7. Mackerel & Sardines
For mass consumption and processing, mackerel and sardines are key Indonesian exports.
Advantages:
- Affordable protein source
- Suitable for freezing and canning
- Stable supply volumes
Thailand often imports these species for:
- Canned seafood production
- Pet food industry
China imports them for both domestic consumption and industrial use.
Indonesia’s Competitive Advantages in Seafood Export
Indonesia’s seafood industry continues to grow due to several strengths:
- Abundant marine resources
- Year-round harvesting seasons
- Increasing adoption of HACCP, BRC, and EU standards
- Government support for sustainable fisheries
- Competitive labor and processing costs
These advantages position Indonesia as a trusted seafood exporter to China and Thailand.
How Exporter-Indonesia.com Supports Global Buyers
At exporter-indonesia.com, we connect international buyers with:
- Verified Indonesian seafood exporters
- Reliable processing facilities
- Export-ready products with documentation
- Competitive pricing & consistent supply
Whether you are sourcing shrimp, tuna, squid, or crab, Indonesia offers scalable and sustainable seafood solutions.
Conclusion
China and Thailand remain two of the most important destinations for Indonesian seafood exports. Products such as shrimp, tuna, squid, crab, and reef fish continue to dominate trade due to their quality, availability, and competitive pricing.
As global demand for seafood rises, Indonesia’s role as a leading supplier will only strengthen. By working with trusted exporters and understanding market preferences, buyers can secure long-term success in seafood sourcing from Indonesia.