China Surpasses the US in R&D Investments: How This Will Change the Global Seafood Market | ChinaGlobal Hub

China is rapidly increasing spending on research and development (R&D), and in the coming years, the country may outpace the USA in this indicator. Special attention is paid to high-tech sectors, including the seafood sector, which opens new prospects for the global food market.

China is rapidly increasing investments in research and development, outpacing the USA in this indicator. Special attention is given to the marine industry, including aquaculture, biotechnology, and seafood processing technologies. This opens new opportunities for the global market and requires international companies to adapt to new conditions.

According to international analytical agencies, China’s share of global spending on R&D has exceeded 25%, and this figure continues to grow. In 2024, the country invested over 600 billion dollars in research and innovation, which is about 2.5% of GDP.

For comparison, the USA spent just over 700 billion dollars, but China’s growth rate is significantly higher — the annual budget increase is 7-10%, while for the USA, this figure remains within 3-4%.

A special direction is the development of aquaculture and marine technologies. Today, China:

• holds 1st place in the world in seafood production (over 65 million tons per year);

• controls over 60% of the global aquaculture market;

• actively implements biotechnology, AI, and robotics in fishing and processing.

Investments in the marine industry are linked not only to food security but also to the goal of achieving a new level of sustainable production.

Key research areas in China include:

1. Biotechnology and genetics 🧬 — creating more resilient species of fish and seafood.

2. Smart farms 🤖 — using sensors, drones, and AI systems to monitor water quality and feed.

3. Sustainable development 🌱 — waste recycling technologies and minimizing ecological footprints.

4. Export potential 🌍 — developing supply chains and improving product quality for the global market.

According to experts’ forecasts:

• by 2027, China may increase its share in the global seafood exports to 35-40%;

• domestic consumption will grow by 5-6% annually, making the country the largest market for international technology and equipment suppliers;

• China’s R&D expenditures could exceed 1 trillion dollars by 2030.

For companies engaged in seafood and agri-tech, this opens a whole range of opportunities:

• 📌 Invest in joint projects with Chinese partners;

• 📌 Develop export strategies with consideration of growing demand in China;

• 📌 Adapt technologies to sustainability standards, enhancing competitiveness.

China is becoming a world leader in research and technology, and the seafood sector is one of the key drivers of this transformation. In the coming years, we will see radical changes in the global food market, where China will set the rules.

Question 1: Why is China actively increasing spending on R&D?
Answer: The growth in investments is associated with the goal of accelerating technological development and strengthening positions in the global market in high-tech industries.

Question 2: Why have seafood become a strategic direction?
Answer: China is the largest producer and consumer of seafood, and the development of aquaculture ensures food security and export potential.

Question 3: How do new technologies affect aquaculture in China?
Answer: The use of AI, drones, and biotechnology allows increasing production efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Question 4: What benefits can foreign companies gain?
Answer: Opportunities for joint projects, technology and equipment supplies, as well as access to the world’s largest seafood market.

Question 5: What is the forecast for China’s investment in R&D?
Answer: Forecast indicates that by 2030, spending on research and development may exceed 1 trillion dollars.