Increased control measures placed on imports of live brown crab by the Chinese officials have reduced market access to the point that Scottish government has stepped in with a package of support for its crab exporters.
The United Kingdom accounts for 90 percent of live brown crab imports to China, with 50 percent of this volume coming from Scotland. Overall, the trade totals GBP 16 million (USD 20.9 million, EUR 18.9 million) per year.
Recently, though, the Chinese government has placed tougher restrictions on these imports due to concerns about the levels of cadmium, a contaminant found in the crab.
Scottish Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said that with the situation becoming “critical,” authorities in Scotland were working closely with the U.K. government to find a resolution with the Chinese, but he added that it was a “complex situation” that is taking time to resolve.
“Following consultation with key stakeholders and our enterprise agencies, I am unveiling a package of measures to support this vital coastal industry to seek alternative markets,” Ewing said. “This includes providing funding for businesses to attend key international trade shows, access to a bespoke ‘showcasing Scotland’ space at these shows, and the facilitation of meet-the-buyer events, including supporting an inward mission to Scotland for international buyers. The aim is to create more export opportunities to more countries.”
The Scottish government highlighted that Chinese standards and testing regime differs from the European Union regulations. While E.U. regulations only cover “white meat,” which is the main edible element for consumers, the law in China covers all edible parts including brown meat, which contains higher levels of cadmium.
“Many of the affected businesses diversified into the Chinese market due to the uncertainties around Brexit and future access to the E.U. market,” Ewing said. “It is only right therefore that we seek to support them through this very challenging time, as we continue to work to find a resolution."
Ireland has also been dealing with increasingly restrictive controls over its crab exports to China.
Photo courtesy of Fabio Lulli
