February 27, 2008

Japan aims to push seafood exports to US$10 billion by 2013
 

Japan targets to export US$10 billion worth of agricultural and fisheries products by year 2013.

Japan, one of the world's largest seafood exporters, is now facing a declining birthrate that could translate to a lower domestic consumption.

As such, Japan has now targeted to increase its exports of agricultural and fisheries products to a value of US$10 billion by 2013 compared to US$3.7 billion in 2006, according to Uoya Toshinori, assistant director of the export promotion office.

The US, which imports about 80 percent of its seafood, is Japan's ideal market. In 2007, about US$13.8-billion worth of ocean products were imported by the US, a 35-percent increase from 2002, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Boasting the world's largest wholesale fish market in Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan is continously vying for a larger share in the US seafood market by joining the International Boston Seafood show. To showcase its various marine products, Japan sponsored 10 seafood companies at the show.