Canada sees 10% rise in value of seafood exports on eve of Trade deal with EU

Canada exported $4.14 billion in fish and seafood products in 2012, an increase of $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 Minister 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 Minister Ashfield.

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

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

This weekend (March 9-12), Minister Ashfield will participate at the International Boston Seafood Show, North America's largest fish and seafood trade show. The Department is attending 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.

Canada is also very close to announcing a free trade ageement with the EU.  Some industry reports say it will be announced this month. Seafood, though only a small part of the overall trade picture with the EU, is expected to benefit greatly.

"With its world-class fish and seafood industry, Canada stands to benefit greatly from a Canada-EU trade agreement," said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. 

"Canada has a historic opportunity to gain preferential access to the European Union, a 500 million consumer market and the world's largest importer of fish and seafood, importing an average of $25 billion annually. This will in turn create jobs and long-term prosperity for hard-working Canadians across the country."

Canada's fish and seafood exports to the EU currently face average EU tariffs of 11 percent, with peaks up to 25 percent. Once implemented, a Canada-EU trade deal would immediately eliminate EU tariffs on most fish and seafood products.

"Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, their safety, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," concluded Minister Ashfield.

The government also released Provincial statistics on seafood production and exports. 

Provincial and Territorial Statistics on Canada's Fish and Seafood Exports in 2012

Provincially, the largest exporter of fish and seafood products was New Brunswick, followed by Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.

Details about selected 2012 provincial and territorial exports of fish and seafood products are presented below:

New Brunswick

Canada's largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $967.2 million. Exported 105,522 tonnes (t) of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were lobster (22,058 t valued at $475.4 million), farmed Atlantic salmon (35,620 t valued at $210.8 million) and snow/queen crab (8,736 t valued at $99.1 million).

Nova Scotia

Canada's second largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $915.4 million. Exported 111,330 tonnes of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were lobster (25,924 t valued at $373.5 million), snow/queen crab (8,945 t valued at $100.7 million) and scallop (4,332 t valued at $98.2 million).

British Columbia

Canada's third largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $871.5 million. Exported 166,277 tonnes of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were farmed Atlantic salmon (51,788 t valued at $290.5 million), crab (5,138 t valued at $69 million) and hake (27,454 t valued at $53.4 million).

Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada's fourth largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at almost $765.6 million in 2012. Exported 136,462 tonnes of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were snow/queen crab (24,570 t valued at $266.5 million), shrimp (57,700 t valued at $234 million) and Clam (4,973 t valued at $49.7 million).

Quebec

Canada's fifth largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $264.3 million in 2012. Exported 26,517 tonnes of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were snow/queen crab (7,438 t valued at $80 million), lobster (4,031 t valued at $79.2 million) and shrimp (1,364 t valued at $15.5 million).

Prince Edward Island

Canada's sixth largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $197.5 million. Exported 23,429 tonnes of fish and seafood.

Top three exports by value were lobster (6,357 t valued at $134 million), mussel (13,735 t valued at $37.3 million) and oyster (760 t valued at $4.7 million).