Nova Scotia seafood sector welcomes China deal extension, but some exporters feel left out

Canada and China have extended an agreement to provide Chinese market access to Canadian seafood imports, including lobster and crab, from Nova Scotia. The extension was welcomed by the seafood industry in the Maritimes, with many fearing the reapplication of a 25 per cent tariff on lobster exports. Kris Vascotto, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, expressed relief, stating that the extension will create stability and certainty for the sector.

The original agreement, announced in March 2023, led to a 56 per cent increase in lobster exports from $128 million to $200 million between March and December 2023. Prime Minister Maninder Sidhu announced the extension to the end of 2028, highlighting the growing exports to China. Nova Scotia is the largest fish and seafood exporter to China among all Canadian provinces and territories, with lobster and crab being the top two species exported.

However, some exporters expressed disappointment that other seafood products, such as whelk and sea cucumber, remain subject to tariffs. Damien Barry, CAO of Louisbourg Seafoods Group, mentioned that these tariffs have made their products less attractive to Chinese buyers and has prompted the company to explore new markets. Despite the current challenges, industry members are optimistic about future negotiations that could potentially remove tariffs on all Canadian seafood products.