SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] – March 12, 2018
OTTAWA – The latest year-on-year seafood exports statistics were released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) late last week.
The value of Canada’s seafood exports continued trending upward in 2017; surpassing 2016’s record by $312 million (5 percent) to $6.9 billion. Canada exported fish and seafood products to 137 countries last year.
The largest growth market was China, which saw a 25 percent ($194 million) increase from 2016, followed closely by Japan at 13 percent ($40 million).
Exports to the U.S. were steady at a value of $4.3 billion.
Canada’s highest value species exported globally in 2017 were lobster ($2.1 billion), snow/queen crab ($1.0 billion), and Atlantic salmon ($909 million).
“Yet again, Canada’s high quality, safe and sustainably managed fish and seafood products continue to be sought after the world over,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries.
“With $6.9 billion exports just last year, our fish and seafood sector is strong and growing. Our government is committed to continuing to expand trade and economic opportunities for Canadian business.”
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production activity in the world and a growing sector in Canada.
Canada cultivates approximately 45 different species of finfish, shellfish and marine algae. Aquaculture is practiced in every province and in the Yukon and takes place in marine environments, freshwater lakes and rivers, land-based ponds, or tanks.
For more detailed statistics on the Canadian fish and seafood sector, including commercial fisheries landings, recreational fishing, aquaculture production and international trade (imports/exports), please visit DFO’s Statistical Services.