Fish and Seafood Exports Continue to Grow, According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Canada's top three species exported globally in 2017 were lobster ($2.1 billion), snow/queen crab ($1.0 billion), and Atlantic salmon ($909 million).

OTTAWA -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released trade figures for fish and seafood products exported by Canada in 2017.

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The value of Canada's fish and seafood exports continued trending upward in 2017, with an overall increase of $312 million (5 percent) over the previous year, and total sales reaching $6.9 billion. The largest growth market for Canada's exports was China, which saw a 25 percent ($194 million) increase from 2016, followed closely by Japan at 13 percent ($40 million). Exports to the U.S. were steady at a value of $4.3 billion.

"Yet again, Canada's high quality, safe and sustainably managed fish and seafood products continue to be sought after the world over. With $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," Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Canada exported fish and seafood products to 137 countries last year. Canada's largest exports by value in 2017 were lobster, snow/queen crab, farmed Atlantic salmon, and shrimp.

Canada's top three species exported globally in 2017 were lobster ($2.1 billion), snow/queen crab ($1.0 billion), and Atlantic salmon ($909 million). These Canadian products, and many more, will be showcased at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 11-13, 2018.

With thousands of seafood buyers and sellers from around the world, Seafood Expo North America is the largest trade exposition of its kind in North America. It presents a tremendous opportunity for Canada to promote our world class fisheries management regime and our high-quality, sustainably-sourced fish and seafood products. Once again this year, Canada will have a significant presence at the Expo, with over 100 exhibitors attending from across the country. 

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada