May 20, 2011

China's aquatic product exports rose significantly in March, as Japan's nuclear crisis prompted consumers to look for other sources, official data showed Thursday (May 19).

Exports of shellfish, shrimp and other aquatic products jumped to US$1.28 billion in March, up 63.8% from the same period last year, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said.

Exports in the first quarter increased 35% on-year to 905,500 tonnes worth US$3.61 billion, an increase of 36.3%.

Japan's demand for imported aquatic products surged after the nuclear crisis dealt a heavy blow to its fishing industry. Consumers in Europe and the US also turned to China for uncontaminated products, MOA said.

In March, China's exports climbed 46.8% and 42.5% in Japan and the US, respectively. Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) soared the most at 165.6%.

The MOA estimates exports will maintain steady growth in 2011.

Despite the surge, the ministry said the aquatic product trade faces huge challenges as the global economy is not stable, and the pressures of environmental issues and rising labour costs have intensified.