From Intrafish On December 10, Russian aquatic products' exports to China accounted for 70% of the total. However, its’ exports to China are now facing challenges.

Russia’s Dobroflot Group CEO Alexander Efremov said that China Customs has strengthened its quarantine measures against the COVID-19 virus, and the unloading time has been extended from the previous 5-6 days to 3 weeks, resulting in a 15% increase in transportation costs.

According to the new epidemic-related requirements, Russian ships must accept stricter quarantine standards and isolation requirements to ensure that every refrigerated container entering the port is non-toxic. This has led to a large number of Russian cargo ships stranded outside the port waiting in line.

According to data from AFEP, in mid-November, 13 Russian cargo ships carrying 5,300 tons of fish were waiting for customs clearance at Chinese ports.

In order to meet new challenges, some Russian exporters transported goods to South Korea, where South Korea served as a transit point, and then shipped to China. However, observers believe that this will not help solve the current problem. Exporting fish products to China through South Korean ports will only increase the transportation costs, it cannot be used as an alternative way. Russian exporters should consider how to diversify the market and optimize logistics methods.

Norebo said that as the fishing season approaches, if China still does not relax entry restrictions, it will become a huge challenge to Russian fishery exports. As the new year approaches, Russian export companies have begun to increase H&G green pollock exports to China, but they cannot avoid facing quarantine measures related to COVID-19 isolation. Norebo is also trying to open up new export markets, but there is no market that can replace China market.

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