IN BRIEF - Oversea seafood buyers begin business trip in Japan
JAPAN
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
AOMORI – Fish wholesalers from the United States, Canada and Singapore started a business trip on Monday to four northeastern prefectures as the local fishing industry continues to reel from China's import ban on Japanese marine products.
The tour was organized by the government-linked Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to help the country's fishery business operators find alternative buyers for their products.
The Chinese government has banned imports of Japanese marine products to protest against the release of treated water into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in the Tohoku region.
The buyers from six companies, who are interested in scallops, yellowtail and sea urchin, observed an auction at a wholesale market in the city of Aomori on Monday morning.
Later, they inspected bluefin tuna caught off Aomori Prefecture and held a meeting with a local fishery wholesaler.
The wholesalers will, from Tuesday, visit fish markets and fishery business operators in the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.
In 2025, the event generated €98.4 million in production and 1,246 jobs.
Although it seemed unlikely that the Vigo fairgrounds could continue to accommodate more companies and visitors, the Conxemar trade fair has grown once again. This is reflected in the report on the socioeconomic impact of the event on the city and its surrounding area, prepared by the University of Vigo within the framework of the Ardán Chair, in collaboration with the Conxemar association and the Vigo Free Trade Zone. The study indicates that between October 7 and 9, commercial agreements worth €831.7 million were reached at the Ifevi facilities, a figure representing approximately 4.5% of the total revenue of the fish processing and marketing sector in Spain.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, announced that the country has proposed a 7% annual increase in tuna fishing rights to the European Union as part of its agreement, thus reducing the previously requested 30% increase. The EU, for its part, only offered 3%, according to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA).
Patrick Herminie explained that due to the current context, marked by the conflict in the Middle East, the country was forced to request the 7% increase. He stated: "We are trying to obtain greater benefits for our resources. The European Union explained why it could not accept 30%, which was in line with inflation over the last six years."
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Thai Union Group is accelerating its sustainability agenda with new investments in digital traceability and crew welfare, signalling a broader shift toward technology-driven accountability across the global seafood sector.
The company has announced a strategic partnership with Wholechain to roll out end-to-end digital traceability across its global operations, alongside a separate commitment to provide free Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels. Both initiatives form part of Thai Union’s SeaChange programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this yearThe Wholechain collaboration will introduce a fully interoperable, data-driven traceability system, initially covering tuna and shrimp before expanding to other species.
The platform will enable real-time visibility across the supply chain, supporting regulatory compliance and improving transparency for consumers.
Chile’s Ministry of Finance has moved to unblock around 200 suspended aquaculture concession relocations under its proposed “National Reconstruction” bill, in a step that could release projects delayed for more than a decade.
Regional authorities in Los Lagos and industry participants have backed the measure, describing it as a potential catalyst for renewed investment and a way to ease structural constraints on sector growth.The policy centres on relocating farms away from areas with accumulated environmental pressure
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
In Kamchatka, participants of the 34th session of the Joint Russian-Chinese Commission on Fisheries expanded their agenda beyond meetings with a visit to the Kamchattralflot fishing and processing complex.
The Chinese delegation observed the full production cycle, from raw material intake to high-value products such as fillets, minced fish, and canned goods. The tour highlighted ongoing investments in fleet modernization and coastal infrastructure, key to boosting efficiency and maximizing the use of aquatic resources.
Officials emphasized that these upgrades allow Russian producers to deliver ready-to-eat products that comply with international quality standards.
The visit provided tangible evidence of Russia’s commitment to the sustainable development of its fishing industry and strengthened cooperation with Chinese partners.
Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo)
PRIMORYE — In February, the Primorsky branch of the National Center for Fishery and Agricultural Products Safety (FSBI) “APK NATSRYBA” processed and certified 75,800 tons of fish products for export, the institution reported.
A total of 576 shipments of fish, seafood, and related products were inspected to ensure compliance with international standards. Key exports included pollock, cod, sardines, flounder, squid, shrimp, crab, halibut, scallops, mollusks, and fish-derived products such as roe, milt, and fish meal.
China remained the leading destination, receiving 55,200 tons across 383 shipments. South Korea imported 11,100 tons in 134 batches, while European Union countries accounted for 9,500 tons in 59 shipments.
The figures highlight Primorye’s continued role as a major hub for seafood exports in the region.
The presence at the leading seafood trade show in the United States is part of the strategy of Chile's main salmon producer to deepen its relationships with customers, push higher-value categories, and consolidate its position in a market crucial for its international expansion.
For the company, this participation comes at a particularly relevant time. The United States is not only its main international destination but also a market that drives the development of brands, convenience formats, and more differentiated offerings. In this arena, growth no longer depends solely on scale but also on the ability to better understand consumers, respond consistently, and capture more value within the category.
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
For fish processors, profitability is often determined by small operational gains.
A slight improvement in yield.
Less product loss during packing.
A portion that commands a stronger price per kilo.
These details make a real difference across a processing operation.
At the same time, processors are operating in a tougher environment. Labour shortages, rising input costs and tight retail margins mean every stage of the process needs to work efficiently.
In many cases, the biggest gains do not come from new machinery or major process changes. They come from the everyday materials used on the factory floor.
The market-influencing spot price of Norwegian farmed salmon climbed a good deal last week, and has thus increased by more than NOK 15 in two weeks. Not since early summer in 2024 have there been better prices in regular weeks.
According to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), the spot price of salmon rose by NOK 8.01 per kilo in week 11 to NOK 94.45 (£7.30) per kilo. That price is NOK 12.09/kg better than in the same week last year. You have to go back to week 22 of 2024 to find better prices if you ignore the usual price peaks around Christmas and New Year.
Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen is not one to go in for hyperbole. His statements are usually measured and well thought through before he delivers.
So when he says that President Donald Trump’s tariff measures have created a great deal of frustration and confusion, you can bet that the impact has probably been more difficult than that.
Jacobsen told Fish Farmer that the North American (US) market is important for the company, adding that so too is Europe, its primary market, and Asia where its business is growing.He added that Europe is Bakkafrost’s largest market, followed by the US and then the Far East in third place. But business with China is growing.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
JAPAN
SPAIN.png)
Although it seemed unlikely that the Vigo fairgrounds could continue to accommodate more companies and visitors, the 
SEYCHELLES
The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, announced that the country has proposed a 7% annual increase in tuna fishing rights to the European Union as part of its agreement, thus reducing the previously requested 30% increase. The EU, for its part, only offered 3%, according to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA).
THAILAND.png)
The company has announced a strategic partnership with Wholechain to roll out end-to-end digital traceability across its global operations, alongside a separate commitment to provide free Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels. Both initiatives form part of Thai Union’s SeaChange programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this yearThe Wholechain collaboration will introduce a fully interoperable, data-driven traceability system, initially covering tuna and shrimp before expanding to other species.
CHILE
Chile’s Ministry of Finance has moved to unblock around 200 suspended aquaculture concession relocations under its proposed “National Reconstruction” bill, in a step that could release projects delayed for more than a decade.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
A total of 576 shipments of fish, seafood, and related products were inspected to ensure compliance with international standards. Key exports included pollock, cod, sardines, flounder, squid, shrimp, crab, halibut, scallops, mollusks, and fish-derived products such as roe, milt, and fish meal.
UNITED STATES
The presence at the leading seafood trade show in the United States is part of the strategy of Chile's main salmon producer to deepen its relationships with customers, push higher-value categories, and consolidate its position in a market crucial for its international expansion.
UNITED KINGDOM.png)
These details make a real difference across a processing operation.
NORWAY
FAROE ISLANDS.png)
So when he says that President Donald Trump’s tariff measures have created a great deal of frustration and confusion, you can bet that the impact has probably been more difficult than that.
