Canada's seafood exports total US$3.5 billion

Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Gail Shea on Monday (Mar 15) released the preliminary trade figures for Canada's exports of fish and seafood products in 2009 totalling over CAD3.6 billion (US$3.5 billion).

"Canada is clearly a leader in the production of high-quality, safe and nutritious fish and seafood," said Shea. "Consumers around the world can be confident that Canadian products are also sustainably harvested and farmed according to rigorous environmental monitoring and management regulations."

Seafood is one of the largest single food commodities exported by Canada - with close to two-thirds of Canada's exports destined for markets in the US and another 22% predominantly destined for European countries and Japan.

"The stability, predictability, and innovation of Canada's fish and seafood sector are key elements that are helping our businesses remain profitable and competitive, while providing thousands of Canadians with jobs," said Shea.

The trade figures were released on 14-16 March at the annual International Boston Seafood Show - the largest North American fish and seafood trade show, which attracts thousands of seafood buyers and sellers from around the world.

Hong Kong and Iceland were growing export destinations for Canada's fish and seafood products in 2009. Valued at close to CAD90 million (US$88.3 million), exports to Hong Kong increased by 24% and to Iceland by 89% to CAD 18.4 million (US$18 million) in 2009.

Canada's five most valuable exports by species were lobster, snow/queen crab, Atlantic salmon, shrimp/prawn and herring, accounting for 49% of all seafood exports by volume and 63% by value. Lobster remains Canada's top export species in terms of value, with 2009 exports exceeding CAD800 million (US$784.6 million).