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Nova Scotia seafood industry welcomes suspension of Chinese lobster tariffs.
Summary
Nova Scotia seafood groups welcomed a deal in which China will temporarily lift anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian lobster after Canada agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market annually.
Content
News from Ottawa and Beijing reports a deal that temporarily suspends China's anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian lobster. The agreement was announced after Canada agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market each year. Nova Scotia's seafood sector has been closely affected because a large share of its live lobster exports go to China. Industry leaders and a Nova Scotia MP described the development as a positive step while noting further work is needed.
Known details:
- The federal government announced a deal under which China will temporarily lift anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian lobster, peas, canola and crab.
- Canada agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its domestic market each year as part of the arrangement, according to the announcement.
- Nova Scotia exports about $430–450 million a year in live lobster to China, and industry figures say the additional 25% tariff led to a reported loss of about 25–30% in export value.
- Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance executive director Kris Vascotto and MP Kody Blois in Beijing welcomed the agreement, while Vascotto said he remains concerned about how long the reprieve will last and wants more products exempted.
Summary:
This development is being received as relief by Nova Scotia's lobster industry because tariffs had reduced export value. Officials described the deal as an initial milestone and said further engagement between Canada and China will continue. Industry representatives said they want the government to press for longer-term or broader tariff exemptions.
