DFO: Thibault Announces Fifth Record Year in a Row for Canada's Fish and Seafood Exports.

Business Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 11, 2003

The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced preliminary international trade figures today showing that Canada's exports of fish and seafood products reached an all-time high of $4.7 billion in 2002. This is up from $4.2 billion in 2001 - an increase of over 10 per cent.

"I am very pleased that this is the fifth year in a row that we've achieved a record high in our fish and seafood exports. With exports now reaching a record $4.7 billion, Canada is solidifying its reputation for having some of the best fish and seafood in the world," said Minister Thibault.

"My department is proud to be part of this success. Our commitment to providing well-managed, conservation based fisheries is helping to ensure the sustainability and success of this key Canadian industry."

Canada is the fifth largest exporter of fish and seafood products in the world, with exports to more than 110 countries. The value of exports to the United States, our largest market, rose to $3.3 billion from $3.1 billion the previous year. The United States is the destination of 70 per cent of our fish and seafood exports.

Japan remains our second largest trading partner and Canada's top overseas destination for fish products, with exports rising from $420 million to $540 million, a 28 per cent jump. Japan accounted for about 11.6 per cent of all exports. The European Union remains our third largest market, importing $352 million, or 7.5 per cent of Canada's fish and seafood products. The People's Republic of China follows next at 4.2 per cent of all exports. China is Canada's fourth largest market for seafood products with exports doubling in the past four years to $194.2 million in 2002.

In value, Canada's four top exports by species were lobster, crab, farmed Atlantic salmon and shrimp. These species account for 59 per cent of all fish and seafood exports. Lobster remains number one, with exports valued at over a billion dollars (an increase of nine per cent over 2001). Crab exports also increased, by 18 per cent to sales of $678 million; farmed Atlantic salmon rose to $578 million, an increase of seven per cent over 2001; and, shrimp showed growth of almost 58 per cent, rising from $278 million in 2001 to $438 million in 2002.

Nova Scotia remains this country's leading fish and seafood exporter, with exports surpassing $1.2 billion. British Columbia follows, with exports of just over $1 billion. Next in line are Newfoundland and Labrador, with exports of $904 million; New Brunswick, with $881 million; Prince Edward Island with $239 million; and Quebec with $215 million.

More detailed information is available on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Statistics website, which can be accessed through our homepage at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca - select Statistics from the banner. Additional requests for data can be made by e-mail to [e-mail].