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Coronavirus Canada
EconomyChina Economy

Coronavirus saps China’s demand for rock lobster, hitting exporters in Australia, Canada and New Zealand

  • The coronavirus outbreak has severely dented demand for lobster in China, the world’s largest importer of the crustacean
  • Exporters in Australia, New Zealand and Canada have been forced to cancel shipments and consider releasing live catch back into the sea

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The busiest season for lobster exports to China is around Lunar New Year, but the coronavirus outbreak has severely hit demand. Photo: AP
Su-Lin Tan

Slashed lobster prices in Chinese restaurants globally have excited diners but hurt exporters, while fishermen have responded promptly to the trade fallout from the coronavirus outbreak by reining in supply.

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The outbreak arrived in the midst of Lunar New Year celebrations – traditionally the busiest season for lobster orders – causing restaurants to cut prices by up to 50 per cent and some major exporters like New Zealand to consider tipping their live catch back into the sea.

Authorities in New Zealand last week said they would assist desperate exporters with controlled releases of some lobsters after most of the nation’s rock lobster orders to China were cancelled.

In Australia, the Australia China Business Council said the government had been inundated with inquiries from the industry for help.

While governments consider how to deal with the situation, fishermen around the world have acted swiftly by docking their boats in hopes of waiting out the crisis.

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