Denmark signs new food export deals with China, boosting access for fish, barley and horse feed

Denmark has strengthened its food trade with China through three new export protocols, signed during the visit by Denmark’s Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Jacob Jensen, to Beijing 21-22 April 2025. The agreements, signed with Chinese customs authorities, cover malting barley, horse feed, and wild-caught aquatic products.

According to the Danish Embassy in China, the protocol for wild-caught fish marks a significant shift by removing the need for species-specific approvals. This means that all wild-caught fish, seafood, and other aquatic products from Denmark and Greenland are now allowed into the Chinese market under a single agreement, streamlining the process for exporters.

Fish and seafood have become Denmark’s largest food export to China, accounting for 35% of the total in 2024. The Kingdom’s exports to China also include pork, dairy, and innovative food ingredients.

“I am pleased to have signed three important agreements with China on horse feed, malting barley, and wild-caught fish, which undoubtedly will be of great significance for Danish and Greenlandic food exports to China,” says Minister Jacob Jensen.

“With the agreement on wild-caught fish, we have removed barriers and ensured a significant improvement in market access for Danish and Greenlandic fish to China. Our biggest food export to China now consists of fish and shellfish. And there is potential for exports to grow even further, to the benefit of both Danish and Greenlandic businesses, which today’s agreement is meant to help kickstart,” he adds.

The protocols are expected to further diversify and expand Danish food exports to China.

Tags: fish, seafood, Denmark, aquatic products, horse feed, China, export, pork, Dairy, Market, malting barley