Minister Thompson Promotes Canadian Seafood Exports and Sustainable Fisheries at World’s Largest Seafood Show
QINGDAO, China, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, wrapped up a successful visit to Qingdao, and Beijing, China, where she promoted Canadian fish and seafood at the 28th China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE) and the Fish for Future Forum 2026 from October 26 to 30, 2026.
The visit provided an opportunity to engage with industry and government officials in China, Canada’s second-largest customer for seafood. Between 2022 and 2025, Canada exported an average of around $1.3 billion worth of fish and seafood to China annually, in inflation-adjusted terms, including lobster, shrimp and crab. Minister Thompson also discussed opportunities to expand the range of Canadian fish and seafood products available in China, building on the success of existing exports while creating new opportunities for Canadian harvesters, processors, and exporters. The visit further supported Canada’s efforts to diversify seafood exports and deepen trade relationships with trusted partners across Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and other growing Indo-Pacific markets.
At the start of the CFSE, Minister Thompson met with Ma Youxiang, former Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and its Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, for a constructive conversation on market access for Canadian fish and seafood.
During the visit, Minister Thompson met with seafood buyers from the Indo-Pacific, government representatives from multiple countries, and international industry leaders to promote Canadian fish and seafood products and strengthen relationships with trading partners.
These engagements showcased Canada’s leadership in sustainable fisheries management and reinforced its reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, sustainably harvested, high-quality seafood.
The CFSE is one of the world’s largest seafood trade shows, and Asia’s largest, which brought together industry participants from around the world, providing valuable opportunities for Canadian businesses to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships, and explore new market opportunities. The Minister’s participation underscored Canada’s commitment to champion international trade for Canada’s fish and seafood sector.
At the Marine Stewardship Council’s Fish for Future Forum 2026, Minister Thompson spoke about Canada’s leadership supporting economic prosperity and environmental stewardship – emphasizing the important role sustainable fisheries play in coastal and Indigenous communities. Minister Thompson pointed to Northern cod, back in the healthy zone for the first time since the 1992 moratorium and now in full assessment for MSC certification.
Minister Thompson also walked the Nanshan Seafood Market in Qingdao with the Underwater Harvesters Association and the Fisheries Council of Canada and toured a Meituan Supermarket store in Beijing to see how Canadian seafood, like live Nova Scotia lobster, reaches Chinese shoppers, on the shelf, and through delivery services.
The Minister also highlighted Canada’s success in advancing sustainable ocean management, combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, improving seafood traceability, Canada’s reliability as a trading partner, and supporting responsible harvesting practices. Through collaboration with international partners, Canada continues to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources while supporting a prosperous seafood sector.
Quotes
“Canada is a reliable trading partner, and Canada’s fish and seafood sector is a global leader in sustainability and quality. Through engagement in China, across the Indo-Pacific, and all around the world, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian exporters, strengthening commercial relationships and building on the relationships that get our seafood onto more dinner tables across international markets.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
Associated links
- Sustainable fish and seafood
- Canada’s fisheries funds
- New strategic partnership with People’s Republic of China
- Canada-China relations
Quick Facts
- Canada has set an ambitious new goal to increase our Canadian exports to China by 50% by 2030. China is one of Canada’s largest export markets for fish and seafood products and presents significant growth opportunities.
- Canada and China continue to engage on opportunities to strengthen seafood trade, including improving market access and supporting the competitiveness of Canadian exporters.
- In addition to lobster, shrimp, and crab, Canada exported a wide array of species to China in 2025, including, redfish, clams, and specialty products highly valued in the Chinese market, such as geoduck and sea cucumber.
- The China Fisheries and Seafood Expo is one of the world’s largest international seafood trade shows.
- Canada’s delegation included industry representatives from across the country, demonstrating the strength, innovation, and diversity of Canada’s fish and seafood sector.
- Canadian fish and seafood products are recognized globally for their quality, safety, and sustainability.
- Between 2022 and 2025, Canada exported an average of $1.3 billion worth of fish and seafood to China annually.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
