The saudi arabia aquaculture market size in 2026 is estimated at USD 445.52 million, growing from 2025 value of USD 412.20 million with 2031 projections showing USD 656.85 million, growing at 8.08% CAGR over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Species (Catfish, Salmonids, Tilapia, and More). The Report Includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).
Consumer demand for sustainably raised crustaceans motivates farms to invest in traceability and antibiotic-free grow-out protocols, winning certification from the SAMAQ national quality mark. Arabian Shrimp Company’s hatchery expansions point to centralized post-larvae supply, reducing biosecurity risk for smaller growers. Although catfish volumes will continue to anchor domestic protein supply, revenue contribution from shrimp is projected to surpass catfish by 2030 as the price per kilogram doubles that of freshwater staples. These dynamics indicate an increasing bifurcation between affordable mass protein and premium export-oriented lines.
Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Trends and Insights
Subsidy expansion under USDA Seafood Import Substitution Program
Subsidized credit from the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund expanded lending capacity. In February 2025, combined with Sharia-compliant financing options, this has enabled companies like Balady Poultry Trading to secure USD 304 million for integrated protein production facilities that include aquaculture components. Domestic feed manufacturers have begun scaling production lines dedicated to aquafeed, locking in cost advantages across the value chain. This financial architecture creates a competitive advantage for domestic aquaculture operations by lowering capital costs and extending repayment terms beyond what traditional commercial lending would offer. In December 2024, Modern Mills' USD 40 million investment in feed milling expansion specifically targets aquaculture feed production, indicating that subsidy benefits extend throughout the value chain.Growing consumer preference for domestic, traceable seafood
Post-pandemic supply-chain disruptions heightened demand for provenance-verified seafood, especially in fine-dining and hotel chains that dominate inbound tourism. Premium buyers are now willing to pay 15-20% premiums for locally certified product lines. These price signals, coupled with expanding e-commerce channels, have improved producer margins and incentivized investment in certification systems that log origin, feed type, and harvest date. Corporate food service contracts, particularly those serving the expanding tourism and hospitality sectors in NEOM and The Red Sea Project, are establishing long-term off-take agreements that provide revenue certainty for aquaculture investments.Limited vaccine availability for emerging pathogens
Recent White Spot Syndrome outbreaks underscored the vulnerability of shrimp operators relying on generic vaccines formulated for other oceans. Lack of region-specific biologics forces farms to employ costly biosecurity protocols that cap stocking densities, raising unit costs by 10-15%. International suppliers remain hesitant to invest in tailored R&D until volumes justify scale, prolonging exposure to disease shocks. This gap forces Saudi operators to rely on prophylactic treatments and enhanced biosecurity measures that increase operational costs while limiting production density and growth rates.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Advances in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) commercial viability
- Rapid adoption of IoT-enabled water-quality sensors in inland farms
- High electricity costs for energy-intensive RAS facilities
Segment Analysis
Catfish maintained a 34.12% Saudi Arabia aquaculture market share in 2025 due to entrenched pond assets and a price point suited to mass retail. Shrimp is on track for a 8.72% CAGR through 2031, the fastest among all species, fueled by USD 3.7 billion Saudi-Chinese joint-venture funding for genetics and hatchery scale-up. Strong export premiums and expanding Gulf airline cargo hold capacity underpin the species’ margin profile. Tilapia holds a sizeable share in inland provinces because it tolerates variable water quality and commands lower feed costs, while niche operators are trialing high-value grouper, barramundi, and salmon in pilot RAS modules.Consumer demand for sustainably raised crustaceans motivates farms to invest in traceability and antibiotic-free grow-out protocols, winning certification from the SAMAQ national quality mark. Arabian Shrimp Company’s hatchery expansions point to centralized post-larvae supply, reducing biosecurity risk for smaller growers. Although catfish volumes will continue to anchor domestic protein supply, revenue contribution from shrimp is projected to surpass catfish by 2030 as the price per kilogram doubles that of freshwater staples. These dynamics indicate an increasing bifurcation between affordable mass protein and premium export-oriented lines.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Species (Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value), Import Analysis (Volume and Value), Export Analysis (Volume and Value), and Price Trend Analysis)
- Catfish
- Salmonids (Atlantic, Steelhead)
- Tilapia
- Shellfish (Oysters, Mussels, Clams)
- Shrimp
- Other Species (Sturgeon, Striped Bass)
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Market Overview
- Market Drivers
- Market Restraints
- Regulatory Landscape
- Technological Outlook
- Value/Supply-Chain Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- List of Stakeholders
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
4 Market Landscape
5 Market Size and Growth Forecasts
6 Competitive Landscape
