March 16, 2015 - Boston, Massachusetts
Joined by several Canadian companies at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today highlighted the 2014 trade figures for Canada’s exports of fish and seafood products. Canadian exports continued to grow once again, with total sales of $4.9 billion in 2014. This represents an overall increase of $517 million or 11.9% from the previous year.
Canadian fish and seafood exports reached new markets in 2014, with exports to even more countries (now 136, up from 123 countries in 2013). The United States remains our largest export market, accounting for 63% of fish and seafood exports, at a value of $3.1 billion. Canada’s biggest seafood export increase overall was to the European Union with a 24 percent increase ($89 million) in export growth.
Upon entry into force of Canada’s Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union, 96% of European Union tariffs on Canada’s fish and seafood products will be immediately eliminated, and the remaining 4% will be eliminated within seven years. Trade with South Korea is also expected to increase as a result of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement which came into force January 1, 2015.
Minister Shea is currently leading the Canadian delegation at North America’s largest seafood trade event, Seafood Expo North America, March 15 to 17, where she is promoting Canada’s role in ensuring very well regulated and sustainable seafood.
Theresa Nichols
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-14E
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