Market access for seafood in a globalized world

presentationThe fisheries sector is one of the world’s most globalized food producing sectors with almost 40 % of total production now entering international markets. Trade has a particular relevance and importance for developing countries who represent more than 50% of global fish exports thereby generating important benefits in terms of livelihoods, employment and export earnings. In line with a general liberalization in international trade, the import tariffs on fish and fishery products applied by developed countries are generally low or non-existing. However, market access still remains an issue for exporters because of a number of mandatory import requirements especially related to quality and safety. In recent years, market-based or voluntary instruments related to the sustainability of sourcing have become an additional requirement in many markets, especially as they relate to sustainable fishing practices or aquaculture production. This presents another challenge to producers in both developed and developing countries. For developing country imports, import duties continue to be significant in many countries. This present obstacles to the development of regional trade as well as limits the availability of fish and fishery products to local consumers. Market access continues to be a major issue in international fish trade with wide implications for both the creation of economic benefits as well as for local food security