March 20, 2013

Canada's seafood exports have reached US$$4.14 billion in 2012, a rise of US$41 million from 2011.

"Fish and seafood is one of the largest single food commodities exported by Canada. The strong exports in 2012 demonstrate the trust consumers place in our fish and seafood products worldwide," said Fisheries Minister, Keith Ashfield. "The sector currently employs approximately 80,000 Canadians who are involved in commercial fishing, aquaculture and processing activities. We are proud of this industry and will continue to support it."

"Our fisheries and aquaculture operations are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner to ensure economic benefits for current and future generations. Canadian fish and seafood products are among the best in the world," added Ashfield.

Canada exported seafood products to 118 countries last year, with approximately 62% of those exports heading for the US at a value of US$2.6 billion. The People's Republic of China and the EU are also significant markets, importing more than US$439 million and US$343 million worth of Canadian seafood products respectively in 2012.

Canada's largest exports by value were lobster, snow/queen crab, Atlantic salmon, and shrimp. In 2012, these species accounted for 48% (284 tonnes) of all fish and seafood exports by volume and 61% ($2.5 billion) of the total value of exports.

In March, Ashfield participated in the International Boston Seafood Show, North America's largest fish and seafood trade show. The Department attended the tradeshow to support Canada's fisheries and aquaculture industries, and as part of the Government of Canada's coordinated effort to showcase Canada's commitment to sustainability.

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Atlantic Gateway, also attended the show. He met with Canadian stakeholders and highlighted the benefits a Canada-EU trade agreement.

"With its world-class fish and seafood industry, Canada stands to benefit greatly from a Canada‑EU trade agreement," said Keddy. "Canada has a historic opportunity to gain preferential access to the EU, a 500-million consumer market and the world's largest importer of fish and seafood, importing an average of US$25 billion annually. This will in turn create jobs and long-term prosperity for hard-working Canadians across the country."

Canada's seafood exports to the EU were worth US$404 million in 2012. These exports currently face average EU tariffs of 11%, with peaks up to 25%. Once implemented, a Canada-EU trade deal would immediately eliminate EU tariffs on most fish and seafood products.