Sinking Pellet in China Trends and Forecast
The future of the sinking pellet market in China looks promising with opportunities in the aquaculture, pond and lake management, aquarium, and research and conservation markets. The global sinking pellet market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2031. The sinking pellet market in China is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the increasing adoption of sinking pellets for efficient feed delivery, the growing preference for high-protein diets in aquaculture, and the rising adoption of regulations governing fishing practices, environmental protection, and food safety.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, slow sinking pellet is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, aquaculture is expected to witness the highest growth.
Emerging Trends in the Sinking Pellet Market in China
China is rapidly transforming its sinking pellet market to support the nation’s massive aquaculture sector, dominated by carp, tilapia, and shrimp farming. As environmental standards tighten and international buyers demand traceability, feed producers are shifting toward green inputs, precision formulations, and digital production controls. Government-backed subsidies and R&D are accelerating the adoption of sustainable binders and functional additives. These efforts aim to reduce nutrient waste, support high-density farming, and meet export specifications. Emerging trends emphasize not just feed efficiency, but also ecological responsibility and technological advancement, reshaping China’s feed landscape.
• Integration of rice straw and crop-residue binders: Chinese manufacturers are adopting pellet binders derived from abundant rice straw and crop residues. These locally sourced polymers strengthen pellet structure, reduce water-fall apart, and fully biodegrade post-use. The shift helps manage agricultural waste and lowers the import costs of synthetic binders. Field trials show improved sink rate and pellet durability. For rural feed mills, residue binders offer cost-effective, eco-friendly options, supporting circular agriculture policies and reducing plastic pollution in aquaculture environments.
• Formulation of modular pellets for multi-species ponds: Given the co-culture of carp and tilapia in many Chinese ponds, producers are developing sinking pellets with modular nutrition profiles. These pellets contain core protein blends and supplemental layers that meet species-specific diets when consumed. The modular design improves feed conversion across different fish types, minimizing waste. It caters to integrated aquaculture models and increases farm revenue. Modular pellets offer flexibility and cost-efficiency, critical for family-scale Chinese aquafarms managing multiple species simultaneously.
• Cold-extrusion for warm-climate stability: China’s southern shrimp and tilapia farms are adopting cold-extruded sinking pellets with enhanced stability in warm water. The method maintains nutrient integrity and prevents pellet softening in tropical pond conditions. Cold-extruded pellets also retain lipids and essential fatty acids. Farmers report less disintegration in storage and pond, boosting feed conversion and water quality. The shift signals China’s move toward advanced processing techniques to serve diverse climatic zones efficiently.
• Factory-wide IoT for pellet consistency: Feed plants are integrating IoT ecosystems—sensors and remote analytics—to manage moisture, pressure, and sinking metrics in real time. This ensures batch-to-batch uniformity and traceable quality. With multiple regional mills, centralized controls help maintain standards across facilities. Buyers are gaining confidence in product consistency. IoT setups also enable rapid troubleshooting and adaptive process management, improving manufacturing productivity and supporting regulatory compliance.
• Functional additives targeting gut health: China is incorporating functional feed additives—like herbal extracts, organic acids, and probiotics—into sinking pellets to boost fish gut health and disease resistance. This supports reduced antibiotic use and aligns with national antimicrobial stewardship goals. Trials in shrimp farms show lower mortality rates and improved growth performance. The trend meets both domestic public health policies and export market requirements, enhancing feed premiumization and farmer value.
China’s sinking pellet market is advancing through circular binder sourcing, modular design, cold-extrusion, digital control, and health-enhancing additives. These trends promote feed efficiency, environmental compliance, and value-driven production. By aligning with government initiatives and export standards, the industry is modernizing rapidly, setting new benchmarks for sustainable and high-performance aquafeed.
Recent Developments in the Sinking Pellet Market in China
China’s feed sector is accelerating its modernization agenda with targeted investments in processing technology, ingredient research, and production upgrades. Developments include scaling cold-extrusion capacity, pilot testing alternative binders, and launching export-certified feed lines. Integration of digital traceability and functional ingredient R&D reflects strategic alignment with environmental and trade imperatives. The industry is building a high-tech, sustainable foundation to support growth and international integrity in China’s aquaculture output.
• Cold-extrusion plant inaugurated in Guangdong: A new cold-extrusion facility opened in Guangdong, capable of producing 50,000 t/year of high-stability sinking pellets tailored for shrimp aquaculture. Equipped with lipid-preserving technology, the plant ensures product integrity in hot, humid environments. Strategic location near farming clusters reduces logistics costs and serves as a hub for southern feed innovation.
• Pilot binder trials with rice-straw polymers: Researchers and feed mills in Sichuan initiated trials blending rice-straw-derived polymers into pellets. Results show 20% cost savings compared to imported binders and stable sink performance. The pilot demonstrates the scalable use of agricultural residue in commercial feed.
• Launch of health-focused sinking pellet range: A prominent feed firm launched a sinking pellet line infused with traditional herb extracts and probiotics for shrimp immune support. Early sales report 10% survival rate improvements in brackish-water farms. The line aligns with China’s antimicrobial reduction targets.
• Factory-wide IoT upgrades rolled out: Feed plants in Jiangsu and Shandong installed IoT sensor networks to monitor production metrics. Analytics dashboards help standardize quality and reduce off-spec batches by 25%. The systems enable regional labs to cross-validate feed performance data.
• Export-certified pellet line introduced: A northern China mill launched EU-certified sinking pellets meeting traceability and ingredient origin requirements. Packets include QR codes linking to batch testing and sourcing info. Initial shipments to Southeast Asian partners have increased volumes and premium pricing.
Recent developments reflect China’s strategic push toward high-performance, traceable, and environmentally aligned sinking pellet production. With new extrusion lines, residue-based binders, health supplements, digital controls, and export-ready feed, the industry is structurally elevating. These efforts position China’s sinking pellet market to meet domestic growth and global market standards, marking a decisive shift toward modernization and sustainability.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Sinking Pellet Market in China
China’s aquaculture industry leads globally, with intensive farming of carp, tilapia, shrimp, and emerging species such as eel and sturgeon. Growth is driven by rising seafood demand, export expansion, and environmental regulations aimed at reducing nutrient discharge. Sinking pellets are at the forefront of this transformation. Key opportunities include species-targeted nutrition, eco-friendly formulations, urban farming expansion, health-enhancing feeds, and packaging suited to smallholders. Feed providers focusing on these applications can align with China’s dual goals of productivity and sustainability, securing market share and contributing to industry resilience.
• Species-targeted formulations for carp and tilapia ponds: China’s large-scale carp and tilapia pond farming requires sinking pellets optimized for widespread culture environments. Formulations tailored to specific feeding behaviors, temperature ranges, and water depths enhance feed conversion and reduce feed waste. Producers supplying robust, nutrient-balanced pellets help farms improve yields and reduce environmental impact. Collaborations with provincial fisheries institutes validate performance. This application supports efficiency improvements across millions of hectares of pond systems and establishes feed providers as technical partners in staple aquaculture production.
• Low-nutrient, eco-certified feed for export-focused farms: Export-oriented shrimp and reel producers in China must meet strict wastewater discharge and sustainability standards. Sinking pellets with low phosphorus, sustainably sourced proteins, and certified supply chains help farms comply. Manufacturers offering traceable, eco-certified feeds facilitate access to international markets. Support for documentation and certification strengthens farm exportability. This application aligns feed innovation with national goals to reduce environmental footprint while boosting seafood export competitiveness.
• Health-supportive pellets with probiotics and immunostimulants: Disease outbreaks in intensive pond and cage systems cause major losses. Sinking pellets fortified with probiotics, beta-glucans, and herbal extracts boost immunity, reduce antibiotic use, and stabilize production. Farmers adopting these feeds see lower mortality and better fish welfare. Producers who back formulations with trials and evidence gain trust. This application proves crucial for maintaining production stability and aligns with Chinese policies limiting pharmaceutical inputs in food production.
• Packaged feed for small-scale and family-run operations: Smallholder and backyard aquaculture remains important in rural China. These farms require accessible feed packaging with shelf stability and clear instructions. Compact bag formats and regional distribution networks support these producers. Feed companies that offer localized products and farmer training help uplift rural aquaculture standards and build long-term brand loyalty. This application deepens market penetration at grassroots level and supports livelihoods.
• Pellets for urban aquaponics and ornamental fish systems; Urban aquaculture and ornamental fish farming are growing in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. These systems require low-dust, slow-sinking pellets suited to tanks and small systems. Feed suppliers offering premium, packaged sinking pellets for hobbyists and urban farms gain early access to emerging market segments. Partnerships with pet stores and urban farm initiatives enable brand visibility and support China‘s urban food culture expansion.
These strategic application-focused opportunities—species-tailored feeds, eco-certified formulations, health-promoting feeds, smallholder packaging, and urban aquaculture—are reshaping China’s sinking pellet market. Feed providers embracing technical innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity can secure growth and support the transformation of China’s aquaculture toward efficiency, environmental stewardship, and market diversification.
Sinking Pellet Market in China Driver and Challenges
China’s sinking pellet market is shaped by rapid aquaculture intensification, environmental regulation, and rising demand for safe, high-quality seafood. Technological innovation in feed formulation and manufacturing supports these trends. Domestic and international pressures are steering production toward sustainable, high-efficiency systems. However, challenges include feed ingredient volatility, fragmented smallholder access, and uneven regulatory enforcement. Addressing these drivers and obstacles through coordinated strategies will determine China’s ability to modernize its aquafeed sector while ensuring ecological balance and food security.
The factors responsible for driving the sinking pellet market in China include:
• Expansion of intensive aquaculture systems: China’s shift toward high-density pond and cage systems for carp, tilapia, shrimp, eel, and sturgeon drives demand for sinking pellets. Intensive systems require precise feeding to optimize growth and minimize waste. Feed producers who deliver performance-optimized pellets will see increased adoption in large commercial farms and state-supported demonstration zones. This driver boosts demand and encourages feed innovation.
• Stringent environmental regulations: The Chinese government has issued policies to limit nutrient and chemical discharge from aquaculture. Sinking pellets with low nutrient leaching, clean ingredient sources, and eco-certifications help farms comply. Manufacturers offering compliant feeds help farms avoid penalties and show environmental responsibility. This regulatory driver accelerates demand for sustainable feed options.
• Rising seafood safety and quality standards: Domestic consumers and export markets demand traceability, residue-free production, and antibiotic-free fish. Feed transparency—ingredient disclosure, supply chain records, quality certifications—boosts farm credibility. Pellet offerings aligned with food safety standards enable broader market access both domestically and abroad.
• Advances in feed extrusion and nutrient delivery: Modern feed plants in China incorporate extrusion technology, nutrient encapsulation, and sinking behavior control. These technologies ensure stable pellet quality and feeding efficiency. Manufacturers investing in technology gain a competitive advantage and can support tailored nutrition for new species and production systems.
• Government support for aquafeed R&D: China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs funds R&D programs for feed formulation, nutrition, and manufacturing technology. Feed companies that partner with research institutes gain technical credibility and access to innovation funding. This driver supports new product development and market differentiation.
Challenges in the sinking pellet market in China are:
• Volatility in feed ingredient supply and cost: China depends on imported soy, fishmeal, and other proteins. Price fluctuations and trade tensions affect feed costs. Alternatives like insect or algae proteins require support. Feed suppliers must optimize formulations to mitigate price risks and maintain farmer affordability.
• Fragmented smallholder distribution networks: Millions of small farms remain underserved by industrial feed distribution. Poor supply chain infrastructure in rural areas limits access to quality sinking pellets. Manufacturers need localized distribution, small-pack products, and training outreach to reach these producers.
• Inconsistent regulatory enforcement: Standards for feed quality, safety, and sustainability vary across provinces. Inconsistent enforcement creates uncertainty for feed manufacturers and producers. Harmonizing regulations and improving compliance monitoring would stabilize market conditions and encourage the adoption of premium sinking pellets.
China’s sinking pellet market benefits from aquaculture intensification, environmental and safety drivers, and technological support. However, ingredient volatility, distribution fragmentation, and uneven regulation challenge expansion. Manufacturers that deliver eco-transparent, performance-focused pellets, and invest in rural outreach and cost resilience, will strengthen the feed sector and support China’s goal of a modern, sustainable aquaculture industry.
List of Sinking Pellet Market in China Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, sinking pellet companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the sinking pellet companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Sinking Pellet Market in China by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the sinking pellet market in China by type and application.
Sinking Pellet Market in China by Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Slow Sinking Pellet
• Fast Sinking Pellet
• Neutral Sinking Pellet
Sinking Pellet Market in China by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Aquaculture
• Pond and Lake Management
• Aquariums
• Research and Conservation
Features of the Sinking Pellet Market in China
Market Size Estimates: Sinking pellet in China market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Sinking pellet in China market size by type and application in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type and application for the sinking pellet in China.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the sinking pellet in China.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the sinking pellet market in China?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increasing adoption of sinking pellets for efficient feed delivery, the growing preference for high-protein diets in aquaculture, and the rising adoption of regulations governing fishing practices, environmental protection, and food safety.
Q2. What are the major segments for sinking pellet market in China?
Answer: The future of the sinking pellet market in China looks promising with opportunities in the aquaculture, pond and lake management, aquarium, and research and conservation markets.
Q3. Which sinking pellet market segment in China will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that slow sinking pellet is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the sinking pellet market in China by type (slow sinking pellet, fast sinking pellet, and neutral sinking pellet), and application (aquaculture, pond and lake management, aquariums, and research and conservation)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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