Canada’s Minister of Fisheries is set to visit China by the end of this month in anticipation of an approaching tariff deadline that could impact the lobster and crab industries. Earlier this year, China temporarily lifted a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian lobster and crab until the end of the year. The uncertainty looms over whether this suspension will be prolonged, leaving the lobster and crab sectors unsure about potential restricted access to a significant seafood market.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson’s office confirmed her upcoming trip to China to address this issue and other critical matters. A spokesperson stated that the minister’s objectives include strengthening trade relations, exploring market opportunities for Canadian fish and seafood products, and continuously supporting Canadian harvesters and the industry to enhance global seafood distribution.
The tariffs affect approximately 80 per cent of Canada’s seafood exports to China and were initiated in 2025 as a response to Ottawa imposing tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles. According to data from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), crab and lobster constitute the bulk of Canada’s fish and seafood exports to China. Notably, Canadian seafood exports to China amounted to $1.3 billion in 2024.
A spokesperson for Minister Thompson emphasized the significance of China as Canada’s second-largest seafood export partner and stressed the importance of consistent market access for the future prosperity of Canada’s fish and seafood sector. The statement highlighted efforts to expand trading partnerships and bolster the Canadian industry to venture into new markets.
Minister Thompson is expected to make an announcement in Moncton, N.B., alongside her Atlantic Canadian counterparts. Earlier this year, China agreed to reduce tariffs on canola seed and suspend tariffs on seafood and select agricultural products in exchange for Canada permitting the import of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles annually at a reduced tariff rate.
In 2021, Canada exported $8.5 billion worth of fish and seafood to 114 countries, as reported by DFO.