Maoming, known as China's "Tilapia Capital," saw its tilapia exports surge 39.2% year-on-year to 32,000 metric tons in the first quarter of 2026, according to customs statistics. The protein-rich "golden fish" is making a bigger splash on international dining tables as a flagship product of Guangdong's export expansion drive.
To tackle challenges posed by numerous small and scattered aquaculture farms, Maoming Customs and the Maoming Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs introduced a centralized registration and supervision system. A five-party coordination mechanism among government authorities, farmers, industry associations, enterprises, and customs ensures shared oversight and quality control.
"Each pond of fish now has a 'digital ID,' enabling full traceability from fry and feed to processing," an industry representative said. A smart platform called "Yushengshi" (渔省事) facilitates supply verification, market updates, and technical support. To date, 15 export companies and 35 intermediaries have registered on the platform.
Moving forward, authorities plan to integrate the platform into Zhanjiang Customs' smart control system. Efforts will also focus on enhancing inspection efficiency, promoting free trade agreement (FTA) benefits, and disseminating market access information. All these measures aim at helping more quality Guangdong products go global.
Author & Photo: Yang Jianxiong
