Chinese Demand for American Lobster Surges

China's taste in American lobsters has surged to historic levels over the past several years. 

Last year, China imported USD108 million worth of American lobsters — a historic high and 14-fold jump from 2010. 

In 2016, Chinese lobster imports from the United States increased from 13.1 million pounds in 2015 to over 14 million pounds in 2016, China Daily reports.

One of the factors driving the country's growing appetite for American lobsters is the expansion of China's middle class, which currently stands at around 240 million people, or 18 percent of the total population. That number could increase to 400 million by 2020.  

American lobsters also tend to be cheaper in China than other seafood such as geoduck clams and spiny lobsters, making it a more affordable option.

[Image via ECNS]