Fisheries and Oceans Canada reports the minister's October 26–30 visit to China's seafood expo and offers historical trade figures.
A new trade push following China's seafood expo
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson visited Qingdao and Beijing from October 26 to October 30 to promote Canadian seafood, according to a Fisheries and Oceans Canada announcement released November 2, 2026. She attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo and the Fish for Future Forum, met seafood buyers and government representatives and discussed opportunities for Canadian fish and shellfish exporters. The trip is one of several Canadian government efforts to develop commercial relationships beyond the United States.
How large the China market is
The department identifies China as Canada's second-largest customer for fish and seafood. From 2022 through 2025, it says exports to China averaged about C$1.3 billion a year in inflation-adjusted terms, including lobster, shrimp and crab. This is a four-year annual average, not a newly announced contract or the value of sales generated by the minister's trip. The statement does not quantify any orders secured at the expo. It highlights prospects to expand the range of Canadian products offered to Chinese buyers.
Traceability and sustainability in the pitch
Thompson also took part in discussions about sustainability, seafood traceability and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The department says she met international industry representatives, joined a visit to Qingdao's Nanshan Seafood Market and toured a supermarket operation in Beijing to examine how products such as live Nova Scotia lobster reach customers. The government linked its marketing message to responsible fisheries management and the role fishing plays in coastal and Indigenous communities.
What remains uncertain
The tour establishes government engagement and a historical export baseline, but it cannot establish whether sales will rise. Business results will depend on market access, demand, prices, shipping and the contracts individual companies secure. The department says it also sees opportunities across the Indo-Pacific, including Vietnam and Indonesia. Future official trade statistics, rather than promotional statements alone, will reveal whether Canadian seafood exports expand.
Sources & transparency
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, November 2 seafood trade releaseOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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