The value of Canada’s fish and seafood exports continued trending upward last year with an overall increase of 5 percent or CAD 312 million (USD 240.4 million, EUR 194 million) over 2016, leading to total sales of CAD 6.9 billion (USD 5.3 billion, EUR 4.3 billion), according to new figures released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
DFO confirmed that Canada’s top three species exported globally in 2017 were lobster valued at CAD 2.1 billion (USD 1.6 billion, EUR 1.3 billion), snow/queen crab at CAD 1 billion (USD 770.4 million, EUR 621.7 million) and Atlantic salmon at CAD 909 million (USD 700.3 million, EUR 565.3 million).
Canada exported fish and seafood products to 137 countries last year. The largest growth was seen in its China trade, which spiked by 25 percent or CAD 194 million (USD 149.5 million, EUR 120.7 million) compared with 2016, followed by exports to Japan which increased by 13 percent or CAD 40 million (USD 30.8 million, EUR 24.9 million).
Exports to the United States were steady with a total value of CAD 4.3 billion (USD 3.3 billion, EUR 2.7 billion).
Commenting on the growth, Dominic LeBlanc, minister of fisheries, oceans and the Canadian coast guard said, “Yet again, Canada’s high quality, safe and sustainably managed fish and seafood products continue to be sought after the world over. With CAD 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."
