Norwegian salmon exporters operating in China now have more sourcing options after three key production regions were given the green light to re-commence exports to China.
Chinese authorities have dropped a ban on salmon from South Trondelag, Nordland, and Troms – originally imposed on the grounds that the areas were contaminated with disease. The lifting of the ban will “significantly improve” salmon exports, according to Sigmund Bjorgo, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s representative in China.
The move comes after China enacted a sharp cut to tariffs in the first week of July, which Norwegian fishing minister has said will make Norwegian product more competitive in China. Tariffs on salmon and other fish for domestic consumption were cut from 15.7 to 6.9 percent by the Chinese government as part of a broader cut to tariffs on consumer goods, in an apparent bid to encourage imports from a diverse range of suppliers, thus keeping prices and supply stable, according to Norwegian Fishery Minister Per Sandberg. The tariff reductions will save Norwegian exporters more than USD 8 million (EUR 6.8 million) per year, Sandberg said.
Norway’s exports to China were up a massive 548 percent in the first half of 2018, reaching 5,966 metric tons. Norway battles Chile and Australia – both of which have free trade agreements with Beijing – for market share.
Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post
