Industry Overview - Sturgeon (Acipenseriformes) is a group of bony fish known for its large size and long lifespan, with a history of over 200 million years, often referred to as "living fossils" [2][5] - China has become the world's largest sturgeon farming country, with production increasing from 10,900 tons in 2003 to 149,400 tons in 2023, accounting for over 85% of global sturgeon farming [1][9] - The domestic sturgeon farming industry is expected to exceed 150,000 tons in 2024, driven by technological advancements and market demand [1] Production and Technology - The sturgeon farming industry in China has developed a complete industrial chain from breeding to processing, with significant advancements in breeding technologies such as hybrid breeding and genome selection [5][18] - Various farming methods are employed, including pond farming, flow-through systems, and recirculating aquaculture systems, tailored to local conditions [3][5] - The introduction of the new sturgeon variety "Jinglong No. 1" in September 2023 marks a significant milestone in the industry [1] Regional Distribution - The sturgeon industry in China is highly concentrated in regions such as Guizhou, Yunnan, Hubei, and Shandong, which together account for over 60% of national production [9][18] - Guizhou has emerged as the leading province in sturgeon production, surpassing Yunnan in 2023, with production growth rates of 24.2% and 72.5% for Guizhou and Hubei, respectively [9] Export and Import Dynamics - China's sturgeon production fully meets domestic demand, leading to an increase in export volumes while reducing import needs [11] - In 2024, sturgeon exports reached 342,432 kilograms, a year-on-year increase of 24.14%, with a total export value of $9.8 billion, up 18.5% [11] - The export market is diverse, with significant shares going to the United States, Germany, Belgium, France, and Japan, accounting for 68.53% of total exports [11] Competitive Landscape - The sturgeon industry is characterized by a diverse competitive landscape, with key players like Xunlong Technology and Sichuan Runzhao Aquaculture leading the market [13][14] - Companies are increasingly focusing on technological innovation and ecological farming practices to enhance product quality and expand market reach [13][16] Development Trends - The sturgeon farming industry is experiencing continuous expansion and regional concentration, with a shift towards larger-scale cold-water farming systems [18] - The industry is moving towards high-value transformation, with a focus on deep processing of sturgeon products, including caviar and health supplements [20] - Technological innovations, such as gene editing and smart farming systems, are expected to drive industry upgrades and improve sustainability [21]