Canada’s Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans on Sunday released the 2012 trade figures for the country’s exports of fish and seafood products.
Total value of Canada’s exports reached CAD 4.14 billion (USD 4 billion, EUR 3.1 billion), up CAD 41 million (USD 39.9 million, EUR 30.7 million) compared to 2011.
Canada exported fish and seafood products to 118 countries last year, with about 62 percent — valued at CAD 2.6 billion — destined for the United States. China and the EU were also significant markets, importing more than CAD 439 million and CAD 343 million worth of Canadian fish and seafood products respectively in 2012.
Canada’s largest exports by value were lobster, snow/queen crab, Atlantic salmon, and shrimp. In 2012, these species accounted for 48 percent (284 metric tons) of all fish and seafood exports by volume and 61 percent (CAD 2.5 billion) of the total value of exports.
“Fish and seafood is one of the largest single food commodities exported by Canada. The strong exports in 2012 demonstrate the trust consumers place in our fish and seafood products worldwide,” said Keith Ashfield, minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “The sector currently employs approximately 80,000 Canadians who are involved in commercial fishing, aquaculture and processing activities. We are proud of this industry and will continue to support it.
“Our fisheries and aquaculture operations are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner to ensure economic benefits for current and future generations. Canadian fish and seafood products are among the best in the world.”
