China imposes 25% seafood tariff, hurting B.C. exports

A new 25 percent tariff on Canadian seafood products from China starts today. This move has raised concerns among seafood producers in British Columbia (B.C.), particularly for the geoduck clam industry. The B.C. Seafood Alliance warns that the tariff could severely impact the geoduck market, which relies heavily on exports to China. The U.S. is B.C.'s main competitor in this market, and they will not face the same tariffs. China typically spends about $300 million each year on B.C. seafood. The new tariffs come after Canada imposed heavy surtaxes on Chinese electric vehicles and some metals. Christina Burridge, the executive director of the B.C. Seafood Alliance, expressed uncertainty about the future. She noted the troubling context of four Canadian citizens executed by China. Burridge hopes that the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, will use upcoming elections to improve relations with China.