SYDNEY: Australian exports of fresh Atlantic salmon to China have rebounded strongly this year and Australian salmon company Tassal Group expects further long-term growth, CEO and managing director Mark Ryan told Undercurrent News.
According to latest Chinese customs figures (HS Code 030214), China imported 5,137 metric tons of whole fresh Atlantic salmon from Australia between January-October of this year, up 477% compared with the corresponding period last year.
“Supply volumes are seasonal, and the recent increases have been in part due to strong biomass growth from our farms, with fish reaching their optimal harvest weight and seasonality of market demand,” said Ryan. “We are harvesting some of the largest salmon in the world at present, meaning a strong supply of very large fish, which the Chinese tend to favor.”
Australia is now the third-largest origin of Atlantic salmon to China ahead of the UK and behind only Chile and the Faroes, both of which saw offtake by China drop.
In 2015, China imported 5,323t of whole fresh Atlantic salmon from Australia. Peter Bender, CEO and managing director of Huon Aquaculture Group, told Undercurrent the reason for the rebound to those levels “is simply that we had a really bad season the year before and a much better season this year”.
Ryan sees the potential of long-term growth in sales to China due to its high forecast increase in salmon consumption, from a very low base, adding that there is a high recognition of food safety associated with Australian produce into China.
“We believe Tassal fresh Atlantic salmon is in a prime position to take advantage of this growth as we can reach this market up to two days before European farmers, ensuring they receive fresher fish. Furthermore, recovery rates for our fish are up to 5% better, color is superior and 100% of our supply is [Aquaculture Stewardship Council] certified — which is an essential market criteria for ensuring a sustainable and transparent product.”
