The Current What will the China-Canada trade deal mean for Atlantic Canadians?
Jan 20, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Stuart Lamont, Managing Director of Tangier Lobster Company, and Chris Viscato, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, explore the recent lifting of Chinese tariffs on Canadian seafood. They reveal how this relief can rejuvenate the struggling lobster export market and share insights on the critical need for diversification in trade partnerships. Both guests highlight the historical importance of the Chinese market and discuss ongoing advocacy efforts for the seafood industry, underscoring the potential economic impacts on Atlantic Canadian communities.
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Lobster Keeps Small Towns Alive
- Kevin Doan described lobster as the lifeblood of Southwest Nova and its towns depend on the fishery.
- He said when tariffs hit, lobster prices plummeted and fishers bore the cost directly.
Seafood Is A $3B Rural Engine
- Stuart Lamont quantified seafood as a $3 billion sector for Atlantic Canada, especially in rural areas.
- He argued market diversification is the key to managing geopolitical risks for the industry.
Tariff Made China Market A Deal Breaker
- Lamont explained the tariff turned into a 41% aggregate barrier that made sales to China effectively impossible.
- He said removing it will re-engage and reopen a once-critical market for exporters.