Maoming gov't helps tilapia exporters expand domestic market

Maoming City in south China's Guangdong Province, one of China's largest tilapia processing and export hubs, has rolled out efforts to help enterprises tap into the domestic market as a way out amid tariff disputes with the United States.

The total value of tilapia export in Maoming reached 2.44 billion yuan (about 341.6 million U.S. dollars) last year. This year, due to the impact of U.S. tariff abuse, many tilapia processing companies have seen a decline in export orders, and they are striving to explore the domestic market.

Under the guidance of government authorities and the support of industry associations, stakeholders across the entire industry chain are working together and taking multiple measures to tackle the challenges of export market uncertainties and to promote domestic sales.

Chen Qi, chairman of the Maoming Tilapia Association, said that they have intensified efforts to promote tilapia products this year, in order to tap into the domestic market. In addition to receiving customers from different cities across the country every month, they have also organized companies to participate in business matchmaking events.

"We went to Beijing in January and to Dongguan in March, and we are planning to go to Shenzhen in May. Then, we will go on to promote [our products] in the southwest region. We will vigorously expand domestic market by inviting domestic distribution companies and buyers to visit and attend exhibitions," said Chen.

Maoming has increased investment in tilapia breeding technology, processing research and development and brand building. The city has introduced the world’s largest tilapia breeding enterprises to improve quality, while actively fostering leading companies on the processing side, to continuously advance the development of the tilapia industry chain.

Data show that in 2024, Maoming's tilapia breeding area exceeded 260,000 mu (about 17,342 hectares), with an export volume of around 100,000 tonnes. These products were mainly sold to more than 20 countries and regions including the United States and Canada.

"From fresh tilapia to frozen products, and then to processed products, we aim for [in the near term] an approximately 15 percent growth in the domestic market," said Zhong Xiuwei, deputy director of Maoming Municipal Bureau of Agricultural and Rural Affairs.

In the next step, Maoming will build a big data platform for agricultural products to accurately grasp market dynamics and consumer demand. Additionally, by establishing teams of brokers and buyers, the city will build more effective channels to connect production with market, expanding the sales reach of tilapia.

"Currently, our fresh [tilapia] products are delivered to nearly every province in the country, and the entire industry chain is well-developed. Through government efforts, enterprises have participated in various exhibitions and promoted Maoming tilapia in multiple large and medium-sized cities. These efforts have played a significant role in driving the development of our tilapia industry," said Zhong.

Maoming gov't helps tilapia exporters expand domestic market

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM