B.C. crab and lobster harvesters say China’s extension of tariff exemptions will help keep their product flowing to a key market through 2028.
The Story
Crab and lobster harvesters in British Columbia say they are feeling a wave of relief after China agreed to extend tariff exemptions that were set to expire at the end of 2026.
The exemptions, first put in place in March, extend through the end of 2028 and remove crab and lobster from a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood that was imposed in early 2025.
Megan Eadie, executive director of the B.C. Crab Fishermen’s Association, said the relief is “great news for the crab fishery,” adding that harvesters “were really starting to worry about it.”
The association said the sector depends on China for roughly 90% of its exports. In a statement, fisheries minister Joanne Thompson said the tariff relief “keeps Canadian lobster and crab moving into one of our largest markets.”
Eadie said the 25% tariffs had been seriously hurting B.C. crab fishermen before the measures were suspended in March. She said the average price for crab was around $11 per lb., but during the year the tariffs were imposed prices were about $6 per lb., even during the busiest time of year.
She said some fishermen found it hard to justify leaving the dock, and described the pressure facing small businesses in coastal communities as they deal with lower product values alongside higher operating costs, including fuel.
Eadie said prices have returned since the suspension, but have not fully bounced back to normal. She said the rest of Canada’s seafood remains under a 25% tariff from China.
← More stories