CANADIAN FISH AND SEAFOOD EXPORTS SOAR

Canadian fish and seafood exports soar, increasing to almost $7 billion in 2018 with the country selling to 139 countries last year.

Fish and seafood are among the largest single food commodities exported by Canada with the most valuable exports by species in 2018 being lobster, Atlantic salmon, snow/queen crab, and shrimp.  In 2018, these species represented 66 percent ($4.5 billion) of the total value and 45 percent (271 thousand tonnes) of the total volume of fish and seafood exports. Lobster remains Canada’s most valuable species exported, worth over $2 billion in 2018.

The United States remains Canada’s largest export market, accounting for 62 percent of our exports valued at $4.3 billion.

And with the Boston Seafood Expo starting this week, Canada will be using the event as an important worldwide platform and opportunity for further growth of Canada’s fish and seafood industry.

The Seafood Expo, which runs from March 17-19, 2019, in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest trade exposition of its kind in North America. With thousands of seafood buyers and sellers from around the world, Canada is ready to showcase its high-quality, healthy fish and seafood products and world-class, sustainable fisheries management regime to the world. Over 100 Canadian exhibitors and representatives from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia will be looking to grow and expand markets.

The Government of Canada, in concert with the provinces, will continue to play a key role in supporting the Canadian industry. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Sean Casey, will lead Canada’s delegation in Boston. He will host a Canada reception, meet with Canadian fish and seafood stakeholders, meet with provincial ministers responsible for fish and seafood as well as participants from the United States and other countries.

While in Boston, the Parliamentary Secretary is also expected to make an Ocean’s Protection Plan announcement on Monday, March 18, 2019. Details to come.

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Jonathan Wilkinson, said: “Canada is proud to showcase its fish and seafood products at the Boston Seafood Expo because they are among the best in the world in terms of quality, safety and sustainability. The Government of Canada recognizes our fish and seafood sector as a vital part of our economy as well as a key part of our cultural identity. We will continue to invest in science, research and innovation to ensure our fisheries and aquaculture operations remain sustainable and healthy for future generations.”

Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, said: “The world wants – and needs – more Canada. Canadian businesses in the fish and seafood sector are in demand for their high-quality products and through our 14 trade agreements, they now have access to over 1.5 billion customers. When Canada’s fish and seafood sector grows through exporting, the economy thrives and good jobs are created. That’s why our government invested in a $1.1 billion Export Diversification Strategy to help Canadian businesses become export ready.”