On the eve of the annual International Boston Seafood Show, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has released preliminary international trade figures showing that Canada’s exports of fish and seafood products reached $3.9 billion in 2008. Minister Shea informed that Canada’s fishing and aquaculture industry demonstrated a strong, stable performance in international trade markets in 2008.
She also told that Canada’s fish and seafood exports continue to provide a significant contribution to nation’s economic prosperity- both nationally and regionally. The overall quantity of fish and seafood exported in 2008 was approximately 632,000 metric tonnes, and the value of these exports increased by 0.5 per cent compared to 2007.
According to Minister Shea federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and industry stakeholders, have been working to ensure that fishing and aquaculture operations are conducted in a sustainable way and continue to contribute to a viable and prosperous sector.
Provincial Breakdown of Canadian Fish and Seafood Exports in 2008Preliminary international trade figures showing that Canada’s exports of fish and seafood products reached $3.9 billion in 2008. The European Union is a significant market, importing $489 million, or about 14 percent of Canada’s fish and seafood products. Japan remains our third largest trading partner for Canada’s fish products, with exports worth $294 million last year. China is Canada’s fourth largest market for seafood products with exports increasing to $259 million in 2008.
