Held alongside CIPS from November 13 to 15, 2025, the 2nd Global Aquatic Industry Convention concluded with remarkable success. Co-hosted by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and China International Pet Show (CIPS), this landmark event gathered global industry leaders and distinguished experts. From the dual perspectives of global vision and regional implementation, in-depth deliberations were conducted on the challenges and opportunities confronting the aquatic industry amid the new development cycle.

The conference delved into key topics including market structure evolution, trade policy adjustments, sustainable development, and technological innovation. A clear message emerged from the event: amid multiple challenges such as geopolitical shifts, tariff policy changes, and animal welfare regulations, the aquatic industry is undergoing profound restructuring. Sustainable development has become a core competitiveness of enterprises, and the industry is establishing a future-oriented new development model through technological upgrading, digital traceability, and compliant operations.

Following three days of in-depth discussions and exchanges across four thematic agendas, the conference yielded a series of core outcomes that are both forward-looking and actionable, charting the course for industrial transformation and high-quality development. To help global industry peers grasp the value of these outcomes and stay abreast of industry trends, China International Pet Show (CIPS) is launching an exclusive series of interpretive content. Divided into four episodes, this series will unpack the key consensuses and cutting-edge insights from the conference, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the future opportunities and practical pathways in the aquatic industry.

The agenda of Day 1 focused on "Global Data and Traditional Markets: Analysis of Mature Markets". By dissecting the current status of mature markets in Europe, the United States, and Japan, and delving into how traditional markets can adapt to changes in consumer demand, adjustments to regulatory frameworks, and post-pandemic recovery trends, it presented crucial perspectives for alignment with the global industrial landscape.

Shane Willis

State of the Global Aquarium Industry: Navigating Uncertainty

The future leaders of the industry will undoubtedly be those enterprises that deeply integrate sustainable development and compliant operations into their business DNA.

Mr. Shane Willis, President of OFI, pointed out that the global aquatic industry has formed a massive ecosystem with an annual scale exceeding USD 15 billion. Among them, the live ornamental fish market alone was valued at approximately USD 6.4 billion in 2024, maintaining an annual growth rate of 5% to 8%, with around 2.3 billion live fish traded globally each year.

From the perspective of trade structure, Japan maintains its position as the world's top exporter by value, driven by high-value koi carp. Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand are also key exporting countries. On the import side, China, as the world's second-largest market, jointly drives industry growth alongside Europe, the United States, and emerging regions such as the Middle East and South America. Europe not only serves as the largest regional import market but also functions as a hub for intra-regional re-exports, with the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic acting as critical nodes.

Despite a solid industrial foundation and a supply chain gradually recovering from the impact of the pandemic, Mr. Willis warned that the industry still faces multiple challenges: logistics costs inflated by geopolitical tensions, regulatory trends based on ideology rather than science (such as the EU's "authorized species list" and the potential misuse of CITES regulations), and animal welfare emerging as an increasingly rigid market access threshold. Additionally, structural shifts—including the continuous growth of online channels and freshwater fish accounting for 80% to 85% of trade value—are driving proactive industrial transformation.

In response, Mr. Willis proposed three key development directions: shifting from reliance on wild collection to artificial propagation to enhance supply chain controllability; establishing digital traceability systems to improve industrial chain transparency and market trust; and actively engaging in international policy dialogue to promote a return to science and evidence-based regulation.

Data sources: UN Comtrade, OFI Industry Analysis

Michael Tuccinardi

Unprecedented Times: Making Sense of Rapid Changes in the US Market for Aquarium Livestock 2025

Amid periods of tariff volatility, exporters must not only focus on growing niche segments but also build resilience by delivering exceptional value through diversification and targeted focus.

Mr. Michael Tuccinardi, Head of Import Operations at Carolina Aquatics, noted that the U.S. market is experiencing an "unprecedented tariff impact" in 2025. The previous tariff exemptions enjoyed by live tropical fish have been revoked, and the new tariff policy imposes rates ranging from 10% to 50%. With continuous policy fluctuations, this has created significant uncertainty and disruption for importers and their partners.

As supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have gradually eased, the new tariff policy has emerged as the most severe challenge facing the industry: high-value imports have been particularly affected, with import costs from some countries becoming prohibitive. Against this backdrop, segments such as nano, aquascaping, aquatic plants, and invertebrates have maintained growth, while categories like corals, marine fish, and high-end freshwater fish are under price pressure.

To address these challenges, Mr. Tuccinardi proposed three key strategies for exporters: diversify product lines and customer bases; focus on offering cost-effective, differentiated products; and refocus on bestsellers and trending items through sales data analysis.

Frank de Goey

Status of European Market for Aquarium Fish

The key to success in the European market lies in transforming compliance into a competitive advantage while leveraging the strengths of trade hubs to precisely meet the consumer preferences of different countries.

Mr. Frank de Goey, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ruinemans Aquarium, systematically analyzed the current status and prospects of the European aquatic market at the conference. He pointed out that as a core market for the global ornamental fish trade, Europe achieved a market size of €2.23 billion in 2023, with approximately 17.638 million aquariums in circulation. Among European countries, the United Kingdom ranked first with 7.3 million aquariums.

Data shows that in 2023, the EU's imports of live ornamental fish reached €50.11 million. Despite a 14% decline from €58.21 million in 2022 due to market adjustments, the market fundamentals remain solid. The primary source countries for these imports were Japan (€9.44 million), Indonesia (€7.46 million), and Israel (€7.24 million). The Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic serve as the three major intra-EU trade hubs. Notably, the Amsterdam hub in the Netherlands handles annual imports of €15-18 million, with 70%-80% of imported fish re-exported to other EU member states.

Mr. de Goey emphasized that the EU regulatory framework is evolving rapidly, with the Animal Health Law, TRACES traceability system, and Invasive Alien Species Regulation forming a robust regulatory structure. He advised exporters to capitalize on three key opportunities: 1) Strengthen the supply of captive-bred species to meet sustainability requirements; 2) Leverage data from the Dutch hub to implement targeted market strategies—supplying small fish and shrimp to the German and UK markets, aquascaping species to France and Spain, and schooling freshwater species to Italy; 3) Proactively expand e-commerce channels, as online sales already account for over 35% of pet product sales in the UK.

Data sources: Grand View Research (2023), Nova One Advisor (2023), EU Trade Statistics

 Keita Harada

Japan - The Matured Market Yet Keeps World #1 Exporter and #4 lmporter Position of Ornamental Fish-How we Keep Fish Pet Attractive and Valuable?

Even as markets mature or face downturns, the ornamental fish industry in any country can achieve sustainable development by identifying and continuously nurturing unique core values, while building a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.

Mr. Keita Harada, Director of the Japan Ornamental Fish Association (JOFA) and International Business Director of Kamihata Fisheries Group, delivered an in-depth analysis of the development path of Japan's highly mature ornamental fish market. He noted that despite facing structural challenges such as a declining population, slowing economic growth, and rising electricity costs, Japan's ornamental fish industry has demonstrated strong resilience, maintaining its position as the world's largest exporter and fourth-largest importer.

Mr. Harada reviewed the multiple industrial fluctuations the Japanese market has experienced since the 1990s: from the boom in South American plecos and discus fish in the 1990s, to the craze for Japanese guppies and Asian arowanas around 1995, followed by the popularity of red bee shrimp and clownfish keeping. He pointed out that the decline of each trend can be attributed to oversupply, the impact of low-cost imports, or drastic changes in the external environment. The key to the industry's recovery from downturns lies in continuous "value creation and maintenance."

At the conference, Mr. Harada took two iconic Japanese ornamental fish—Nishikigoi (koi carp, the largest) and Medaka (rice fish, the smallest)—as examples to systematically elaborate on their five common core success factors:

Historical Origins: Both evolved from rice paddy food fish to ornamental fish through mutation selection and breeding;

Species Diversity: Over 80 varieties of Nishikigoi and more than 1,000 varieties of Medaka have been developed;

Rearing Adaptability: Wide tolerance to water volume and temperature (5-32°C, with an optimal range of 20-26°C);

Continuous Innovation: Legendary breeders (such as Sakai Fish Farm and Medaka no Yakata) consistently create new value;

Value Maintenance System: Sustained efforts by professionals form the core. Organizations like JOFA host exhibitions, competitions, and auctions, with certified judges providing professional evaluations, establishing a comprehensive system for value discovery and protection.

Data sources: IMF 2025, Japan Pet Food Association, JOFA Industry Data

On November 14, the Aquatic Industry Development Conference focused on two core themes: "Emerging Markets: Focus on R apidly Growing Regions" and "New Conditions & Reforms: Examination of political shifts, Environmental Legislation, and Sustainable Business Models".

The former targeted dynamic emerging markets worldwide such as China, Vietnam, and Brazil, analyzing growth drivers and expansion challenges to provide directions for industry layout, cooperation, and innovation. The latter addressed global political, environmental, and regulatory changes head-on, focusing on sustainable business models and compliance strategies while sharing actionable innovative practices.

Stay tuned for in-depth insights into Day 2!