China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) stated that imports of aquatic products from Pakistan and other countries have resumed.
GAC stated in a statement that China began importing products from 20 abroad companies on May 26.
“The companies are based in several countries, including Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, and Indonesia,” according to the statement.
According to the customs, the action is aimed at “enriching the supply of domestic aquatic products” and improving the stability of the fish industry and supply chains.
According to the GAC, China suspended imports of such products from eight overseas suppliers last year because their safety and hygiene controls did not meet its import requirements, and their anti-epidemic measures did not meet the COVID-19 control measures issued by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
“The latest change will not have much of an impact on overall supply in China, as those countries are not major seafood suppliers,” industry veterans told the Global Times.
Cui He, Director of the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance, told the Global Times that China’s seafood imports were expanding, primarily from Russia, Australia, and Argentina.
“The increase in seafood imports reflects an increase in Chinese consumption.” It also derives from Chinese clients’ need for high-quality aquatic items, which certain foreign enterprises can deliver, according to Cui.
The GAC stated that it would continue to tighten the management of imported food safety.
According to figures from the International Trade Centre, China’s seafood imports increased by 35% last year to $19.13 billion.
