Woods Harbour lobster fishermen get geared up for the opening of the 2025-26 season at the Falls Point wharf. Industry officials are welcoming news that the suspension of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian lobsters going into China, which was due to expire on Dec. 31, has been extended by two years. Photo by Kathy Johnson /Tri-County VanguardArticle contentThe suspension of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian lobsters going into China, which was due to expire on Dec. 31, has been extended by two years.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIt was the news the lobster industry was hoping for.Article contentArticle content“Overall, there is a great sigh of relief across the industry,” said Kris Vascotto, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance.Article content“This announcement addresses a major concern with the coming fall season by providing certainty of the tariff regime exporters will face when planning for the Lunar New Year. Knowing that our products can enter the Chinese market unencumbered by tariff challenges will add confidence to operators as they manage their inventories over the winter season.”Article contentArticle contentCanada’s largest lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia, Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34, is scheduled to open on Nov. 30.Article contentInternational Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu announced on Nov. 4 that Canada and China have agreed to a two-year extension until the end of 2028 of the favourable market access provided under the preliminary joint arrangement for Canadian canola meal, peas, lobsters, and crab.Article content“This is good news and what we had been expecting,” said Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada. “I think it will provide some comfort to buyers this fall so they can be confident that the lobster they buy and put away for sales during Chinese New Year will not be impacted by a tariff.”Article contentArticle content Lobster fishing boats steam out from the Lower East Pubnico wharf to set their traps on the first day of the 2025-26 season. News that the suspension of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian lobsters going into China, which was due to expire on Dec. 31, has been extended by two years was welcome news for the lobster industry going into the 2026-27 season, which is scheduled to open on Nov. 30. Photo by Kathy Johnson /Tri-County vanguardArticle contentImplemented in March 2025, the 25 per cent tariff was temporarily suspended on March 1 until Dec. 31. The announcement came just days following the 28th China Fisheries and Seafood Expo and the Fish for Future Forum 2026, held Oct. 26 to 30.Article contentArticle content“Canada’s fish and seafood harvesters catch the best seafood in the world, and their work drives rural and coastal communities across the country,” federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said in a Nov. 4 news release. “Last week in China, I met with government officials and industry leaders to make the case for Canada as a trusted supplier. Today’s announcement keeps Canadian lobster and crab moving into one of our largest markets. The dialogue with China continues, and I will keep promoting Canadian fish and seafood around the world.”Article contentVascotto said the extension also preserves the tariff advantage that Canadian lobster has going into China relative to suppliers south of the border.Article content“This should encourage our customers overseas to continue to purchase Canadian products at a discount to other suppliers of North American lobster,” he said.Article content“At the end of the day, we are thankful to the federal government for prioritizing these discussions and getting back to the table to find a solution that benefits both countries and keeps our industry competitive in the global marketplace.”Article contentBetween 2022 and 2025, Canada exported an average of around $1.3 billion worth of fish and seafood to China annually. China is one of Canada’s largest export markets for fish and seafood products and presents significant growth opportunities.Article content
Chinese tariff suspension on lobster extended through 2028
