STAG NEWS BITES is produced for Australian Seafood Exporters, containing important updates and informal translations of news from Asian media sources. Any information provided as part of this trade news service is general in nature. Before acting on any information provided, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances and business objectives.
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Exposure draft for the new export control rules
The Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment have issued an exposure draft of the new export control rules as they apply to fish and fish products.
The consultation period closes on the 5th November 2020. The STAG will coordinate a response with Seafood Industry Australia.
If you have some input to make, please send your comment to admin@seafoodtradeadvisory.com
To download a copy of the exposure draft click here
News from China trade shows
2020 China (Fuzhou) International Fisheries Expo
1. The 2020 China (Fuzhou) International Fisheries Expo (FIFE) has operated successfully utilising both an online and offline model, which broke records in online sales. Over 1.53 million customers participated in the live show sales where they experienced seafood products with new technologies, such as VR. Over 520 companies and organisations attended the expo. Read more
2. FIFE also offered online trade platforms for suppliers and business buyers to bid under certain product categories. Read more here and by clicking here
3. TikTok live sales promoted lobsters at FIFE with various activities. Read more
4. A summary of FIFE's events and activities. Read more
2020 China International Trade in Services Fair
1. Cross-border platforms, especially in e-commerce grew rapidly from previous years, even during COVID-19. Traditional international trade has been significantly affected during COVID-19, however, e-commerce platforms showed positive growth. To read more click here
2. 148 countries and 33 international organisations attended this expo. Accounting and consulting firm PWC also attended this expo and released a public health support document about COVID-19. Online entertainment grew rapidly during the COVID-19 period with Sony and Canon releasing new products. There is a signal that further business models will need to combine both online and offline models. Read more
3. The service industry has occupied 53.6% GDP of China, 2019, which includes both agriculture and manufacturing. Click here to read more
4. Ireland attended the expo to promote tourism and classic whisky products in both an online and offline format to seek more opportunities. Read more
5. International businesses have opportunities in areas such as tourism and education during the recovery of COVID-19, which also includes Australia. Read more
Other market news
GACC strengthens product origin control
Source: General Administration of Customs China (GACC) and Seafood Guide, 9th September 2020
GACC has strengthened the origin control of imported meat, seafood and fruit products, especially in cold chain transportation. Inspections have also increased from previous months to ensure food safety and consumption confidence. Imported meat in 2020 has also increased from 2019 (whole year import amount).
To read more click here and here
China suspends imports from 56 food firms on virus concerns
Source: Global Times, 8th September 2020
China has suspended imports from 56 cold-chain food companies of 19 countries and regions where workers have been infected with COVID-19.
To read more, click here
Loss of Australian exports to China just beginning
Source: Global Times, 7th September 2020
Australia's exports to China slumped by nearly a quarter year-on-year and a fifth month-on-month to reach 61.76 billion yuan ($9.04 billion) in August.
Bilateral trade fell markedly, with the overall trade in goods between China and Australia amounting to 93.26 billion yuan in August, down 15.2 percent month-on-month and 12.8 percent year-on-year. The Australian trade slump comes at a time when China's foreign trade grew 6% in August year-on-year.
To read more click here
Toyosu fish market taking hit from pandemic
Source: Japan Times, 5th September 2020
Tokyo’s s Toyosu fish market, the world’s largest, is taking a hit from the coronavirus pandemic, forcing restaurants and wholesalers to adapt in order to survive.
Businesses had hoped for more activity after Japan lifted its state of emergency in late May, but big events such as shareholder meetings and wedding banquets have remained on hold, with many Japanese still wary of going to restaurants.
To read more click here
Australia Fair 2020
Source: Prince Hotel, Japan
An interesting event is taking place on Saturday 19th September in Japan in conjunction with the Prince Hotel chain.
Australian seafood is being used on most hotel menus.
To read more click here and here
Image: Japan Today
US frozen seafood’s retail spike expected to continue
Source: Seafood Source, 3rd September 2020
Frozen seafood sales in US supermarkets have continued their rapid growth well after a panic-buying spree initiated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, and major grocery chains continue to shore up e-commerce offerings.
Frozen seafood sales jumped 42%, and volume climbed 34%, for the week ending 23 August compared to the same week last year.
To read the full article, click here
STAG News Bites is a resource for Australian seafood exporters, currently funded by the Abalone Council Australia Ltd, Southern Rocklobster Ltd, Australian Abalone Growers Association, Western Rocklobster Council and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. We acknowledge past funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through the Package Assisting Small Exporters.
This STAG publication contains informal translation of foreign and Asian media. Any information provided as part of this trade news service is general in nature. Before acting on any information provided, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances and business objectives.
Copyright © 2020, Seafood Trade Advisory Group. All rights reserved.
