French oyster producer and exporter Huitres Lambert increased its shipments to China from 27 tons in 2016 to 146 tons in 2023, according to an interview with company executives on French TV.
Huitres Lambert is based in Marennes-Oléron on the coast of the French region Charente-Maritime. It is located on an estuary just off the Bay of Biscay – the largest oyster cultivation base in Europe – which has production accounting for nearly half the output of the entire French oyster industry.
China is a lucrative market for French oyster exporters. With taxes and transportation, 18 types of oysters from Huitres Lambert sell on Chinese e-commerce channels via an agent in Shanghai for EUR 2.50 (EUR 2.70) each, compared to EUR 1.30 (USD 1.40) in France, according to the report.
However, increasing dependence on Chinese sales looks precarious in the context of increased trade tension between the E.U. and China.
China recently announced an investigation into French cognac imports on anti-dumping grounds. This follows a September 2023 announcement by the European Commission it is investigating Chinese electric car imports after protests by French and German officials complained low-cost Chinese vehicle-makers benefit from state subsidies and, thus, represent unfair competition.
Huitres Lambert and Maison Gillardeau did not respond to SeafoodSource requests for comment on any recent impact their business is facing in China due to rising trade tensions.
They have much to play for, given that opening the Chinese market has been transformative for the French oyster industry.
Oyster sellers have been able to harness the popularity of French wines in China, often cooperating with winemakers on sales promotions. Additionally, Asian oyster demand is largely constant year-round, compared to French consumption, which remains more seasonal and centers around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Sino-French trade tensions impacting the oyster trade will also have consequences for Ireland, considering numerous French oyster firms own or contract to farm sites in Ireland, partly in search of cooler waters as Europe’s climate warms.
