""

Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 11/17/2003

**GAIN Report Number:** FR3063

FR3063

**France**

**Fishery Products**

**Annual**

**2003**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Kurt Seifarth

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Marie-Cécile Hénard

**Report Highlights:**

France is a net importer and a major consumer of seafood products in the
European Union. In 2002, the best export opportunities for U.S. seafood
products to France were for Alaskan pollack, surimi, lobster, scallops
and salmon. In 2002, U.S. exports of Alaskan pollack fillets to France
doubled, partially replacing Russian and Chinese products. The U. S. is
France\'s leading supplier of live lobster, which is consumed mainly
during the Holiday Season. The U.S. is France\'s leading supplier of
surimi base, which is further processed in France. French surimi
consumption and processing have boomed over the past ten years. France
is the largest consumer of salmon in the EU. Alaskan salmon faces stiff
competition on the French market from Norwegian, Scottish and Irish
salmon. Finally, U.S. exports of frozen scallops to France have
increased significantly over the past two years as demand continues to
grow.

Includes PSD Changes: Yes

Includes Trade Matrix: Yes

Annual Report

Paris \[FR1\]

\[FR\]

Table of Contents

[**Executive Summary 3**](#executive-summary)

[Section I: Situation and Outlook 3](#section-i-situation-and-outlook)

[Section II: Statistical Tables 6](#section-ii-statistical-tables)

[PS&D Tables 6](#psd-tables)

[Trade Matrices 11](#trade-matrices)

[Salmon 11](#salmon)

[Lobster 16](#lobster)

[Scallops 18](#scallops)

[Surimi 20](#surimi)

[Monkfish 23](#monkfish)

[Dogfish 24](#dogfish)

[Tariff Tables 25](#tariff-tables)

[Section III: Production, Supply and Demand
28](#section-iii-production-supply-and-demand)

[Production 28](#production)

[Total Fishery Products 28](#total-fishery-products)

[Canned Fishery Products 28](#canned-fishery-products)

[Salmon 29](#salmon-1)

[Groundfish 29](#groundfish)

[Lobster 30](#lobster-1)

[Scallops 30](#scallops-1)

[Surimi 30](#surimi-1)

[Monkfish and Dogfish 31](#monkfish-and-dogfish)

[Consumption 31](#consumption)

[Total Fishery Products 31](#total-fishery-products-1)

[Salmon 34](#salmon-2)

[Groundfish Fillets 35](#groundfish-fillets)

[Lobster 35](#lobster-2)

[Scallops 35](#scallops-2)

[Surimi 36](#surimi-2)

[Trade 36](#trade)

[Salmon 36](#salmon-3)

[Groundfish Fillets 36](#groundfish-fillets-1)

[Lobster 37](#lobster-3)

[Scallops 37](#scallops-3)

[Surimi 38](#surimi-3)

[Marketing 39](#marketing)

[Trade Shows 39](#trade-shows)

[U.S. Seafood Cooperators in France
41](#u.s.-seafood-cooperators-in-france)

# Executive Summary

France is a net importer and a major consumer of seafood products in the
European Union. In 2002, the best export opportunities for U.S. seafood
products to France were for Alaskan pollack, surimi, lobster, scallops
and salmon. In 2002, U.S. exports of Alaskan pollack fillets to France
doubled, partially replacing Russian and Chinese products. The U. S. is
France\'s leading supplier of live lobster, which is consumed mainly
during the Holiday Season. The U.S. is France\'s leading supplier of
surimi base, which is further processed in France. French surimi
consumption and processing have boomed over the past ten years. France
is the largest consumer of salmon in the EU. Alaskan salmon faces stiff
competition on the French market from Norwegian, Scottish and Irish
salmon. Finally, U.S. exports of frozen scallops to France have
increased significantly over the past two years as demand continues to
grow.

# Section I: Situation and Outlook

France is a net importer of fishery products, because domestic
production (including wild catch and aquaculture) is significantly lower
than demand. France is a good market for seafood. With a large
population (62 million) and high per capita consumption, French demand
cannot be satisfied by domestic production. French per capita
consumption is estimated at 27.5 kg per year, average EU per capita
consumption is 23.4 kg and average world per capita consumption is 16.1
kg per year.

In 2002, French imports of seafood products totaled 3.33 billion euros
and included the following:

![](media/image71.wmf)

The United States is France's fifth leading supplier of seafood products
after the UK, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands, which means that the
United States is France's leading seafood supplier outside of Europe. In
2002, the United States' market share on the French market was 5.7%.

As indicated in the graphs below, the main categories of seafood
products in quantity imported by France from the United States in 2002
were frozen Alaska pollack fillets, surimi base and frozen salmon. In
terms of value, frozen Alaska pollack, fresh/live lobster, surimi base,
frozen scallops and frozen salmon are the leading seafood categories
exported by the United States to France in 2002.

![](media/image138.wmf)

![](media/image205.wmf)

The French market for Alaska pollack fillets changed significantly in
2002, as U.S. exports doubled from 2001. American product replaced
Russian market share, while the Russian product disappeared from the
French market. U.S. exports also benefited from the decline in Chinese
exports to France, resulting from the EU sanitary restrictions on
seafood products from China. However, Chinese pollock fillets are back
on the French market in 2003, which may hurt U.S. exports.

The United States is, by far, France's leading supplier of live/fresh
lobster, while Canada is France's number one supplier of frozen lobster.
Rock lobster is provided mainly by Cuba and the Bahamas. Lobster and
rock lobster are considered festive products and their consumption is
seasonal in France, most of it taking place during the Holiday season in
December.

France is the largest European consumer of surimi, and the French surimi
processing industry has significantly increased its production capacity
in the past ten years to meet booming domestic demand. The United States
is, by far, France's leading supplier of surimi base, which is mainly
made from Alaska pollack. Surimi base is processed, flavored and
packaged in France by French companies.

France is the largest European market for salmon, which is the French
consumer's favorite fish. France is a mature and saturated market for
salmon. Norway, Scotland and Ireland are the main suppliers of
farm-raised salmon. This product competes with wild Alaska salmon. Price
and supply seasonality are the drawbacks of Alaska salmon compared to
farm-raised European salmon.

The increase in U.S. exports of frozen scallops started in 2001 and
strengthened in 2002. During the first five months of 2003, U.S. exports
to France continued to increase. This resulted from the increase in
total French imports of scallops in the past few years, and the decline
of Peruvian and Chinese exports. Also, the increased availability of
scallops from the East coast scallops are increasingly price-competitive
on the French market. There is potential for growth of U.S. market share
for scallops on the French market.

Note: Websites of interest of the French fishery sector:

[http://www.ofimer.fr]{.underline}

OFIMER is the French seafood board. Its website contains economic data
on French fishery production, consumption and trade.

[http://www.agriculture.gouv.fr]{.underline}

The website of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and
Rural Affairs contains general information on French fisheries.

[http://www.savourez-le-saumon.com]{.underline}

This website was created by the Norwegian, Scottish and Irish salmon
promoters, and provide recipes with salmon.

# Section II: Statistical Tables

## PS&D Tables

  --------------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  **PSD Table**                                                                     

  **Country**     **France**                                                        

  **Commodity**   **Salmon,                                              (MT)       
                  Whole/Eviscerated**                                               

                  2001                  Revised    2002       Estimate   2003       Forecast

                  USDA Official \[Old\] Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post
                                        Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate
                                        \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]

  **Market Year                         01/2001               01/2002               01/2003
  Begin**                                                                           

  Beginning       32000                 32000      32000      32000      31000      30000
  Stocks                                                                            

  Total           2                     2          2          1          0          0
  Production                                                                        

  Intra-EC        85500                 92244      85500      90816      0          91500
  Imports                                                                           

  Other Imports   8000                  8295       8000       7153       0          8000

  TOTAL Imports   93500                 100539     93500      97969      0          99500

  TOTAL SUPPLY    125502                132541     125502     129970     31000      129500

  Intra-EC        2800                  5125       2800       7240       0          6000
  Exports                                                                           

  Other Exports   350                   493        350        640        0          500

  TOTAL Exports   3150                  5618       3150       7880       0          6500

  Domestic        86352                 90923      87352      88090      0          89000
  Consumption                                                                       

  Other Use/Loss  4000                  4000       4000       4000       0          4000

  TOTAL           90352                 94923      91352      92090      0          93000
  Utilization                                                                       

  Ending Stocks   32000                 32000      31000      30000      0          30000

  TOTAL           125502                132541     125502     129970     0          129500
  DISTRIBUTION                                                                      
  --------------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

  --------------- --------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
  **PSD Table**                                                                          

  **Country**     **France**                                                             

  **Commodity**   **Groundfish,                                    (MT)                  
                  Fillets**                                                              

                  2001            Revised    2002       Estimate   2003       Forecast   UOM

                  USDA Official   Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post       
                  \[Old\]         Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate   
                                  \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    

  **Market Year                   01/2001               01/2002               01/2003    MM/YYYY
  Begin**                                                                                

  Beginning       1000            1000       1000       1000       1000       1000       (MT)
  Stocks                                                                                 

  Total           33000           38000      33000      38000      0          38000      (MT)
  Production                                                                             

  Intra-EC        85500           91179      85500      83194      0          85000      (MT)
  Imports                                                                                

  Other Imports   72500           80208      72500      72659      0          75000      (MT)

  TOTAL Imports   158000          171387     158000     155853     0          160000     (MT)

  TOTAL SUPPLY    192000          210387     192000     194853     1000       199000     (MT)

  Intra-EC        14500           15575      14500      13157      0          14000      (MT)
  Exports                                                                                

  Other Exports   900             1114       900        1073       0          1100       (MT)

  TOTAL Exports   15400           16689      15400      14230      0          15100      (MT)

  Domestic        174600          191698     174600     178623     0          181900     (MT)
  Consumption                                                                            

  Other Use/Loss  1000            1000       1000       1000       0          1000       (MT)

  TOTAL           175600          192698     175600     179623     0          182900     (MT)
  Utilization                                                                            

  Ending Stocks   1000            1000       1000       1000       0          1000       (MT)

  TOTAL           192000          210387     192000     194853     0          199000     (MT)
  DISTRIBUTION                                                                           
  --------------- --------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------

  --------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  **PSD Table**                                                             

  **Country**     **France**                                                

  **Commodity**   **Lobster**                                    (MT)       

                  2001          Revised    2002       Estimate   2003       Forecast

                  USDA Official Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post
                  \[Old\]       Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate
                                \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]

  **Market Year                 01/2001               01/2002               01/2003
  Begin**                                                                   

  Beginning       100           100        100        100        100        100
  Stocks                                                                    

  Total           400           391        400        416        0          400
  Production                                                                

  Intra-EC        2900          2919       2900       2672       0          2800
  Imports                                                                   

  Other Imports   6200          5915       6200       5549       0          5600

  TOTAL Imports   9100          8834       9100       8221       0          8400

  TOTAL SUPPLY    9600          9325       9600       8737       100        8900

  Intra-EC        500           1106       500        508        0          700
  Exports                                                                   

  Other Exports   300           333        300        369        0          350

  TOTAL Exports   800           1439       800        877        0          1050

  Domestic        8699          7786       8700       7760       0          7750
  Consumption                                                               

  Other Use/Loss  1             0          0          0          0          0

  TOTAL           8700          7786       8700       7760       0          7750
  Utilization                                                               

  Ending Stocks   100           100        100        100        0          100

  TOTAL           9600          9325       9600       8737       0          8900
  DISTRIBUTION                                                              
  --------------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

  ---------------- -------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  **PSD Table**                                                               

  **Country**      **France**                                                 

  **Commodity**    **Scallops**                                    (MT)       

                   2001           Revised    2002       Estimate   2003       Forecast

                   USDA Official  Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post
                   \[Old\]        Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate
                                  \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]

  **Market Year                   01/2001               01/2002               01/2003
  Begin**                                                                     

  Beginning Stocks 1600           1600       1500       1500       1500       1500

  Total Production 13000          16908      13000      19388      0          19000

  Intra-EC Imports 8000           9297       8000       7584       0          8000

  Other Imports    7500           8258       7500       9254       0          9000

  TOTAL Imports    15500          17555      15500      16838      0          17000

  TOTAL SUPPLY     30100          36063      30000      37726      1500       37500

  Intra-EC Exports 3100           4533       3100       4818       0          4700

  Other Exports    100            134        100        171        0          150

  TOTAL Exports    3200           4667       3200       4989       0          4850

  Domestic         25390          29886      25290      31227      0          31140
  Consumption                                                                 

  Other Use/Loss   10             10         10         10         0          10

  TOTAL            25400          29896      25300      31237      0          31150
  Utilization                                                                 

  Ending Stocks    1500           1500       1500       1500       0          1500

  TOTAL            30100          36063      30000      37726      0          37500
  DISTRIBUTION                                                                
  ---------------- -------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

  ---------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  **PSD Table**                                                             

  **Country**      **France**                                               

  **Commodity**    **Surimi**                                    (MT)       

                   2001         Revised    2002       Estimate   2003       Forecast

                   USDA         Post       USDA       Post       USDA       Post
                   Official     Estimate   Official   Estimate   Official   Estimate
                   \[Old\]      \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]    \[Old\]    \[New\]

  **Market Year                 01/2001               01/2002               01/2003
  Begin**                                                                   

  Beginning Stocks 0            0          0          0          0          0

  Total Production 0            2000       0          2000       0          3000

  Intra-EC Imports 0            1128       0          83         0          100

  Other Imports    0            10019      0          14741      0          15000

  TOTAL Imports    0            11147      0          14824      0          15100

  TOTAL SUPPLY     0            13147      0          16824      0          18100

  Intra-EC Exports 0            968        0          324        0          350

  Other Exports    0            15         0          235        0          250

  TOTAL Exports    0            983        0          559        0          600

  Domestic         0            12164      0          16265      0          17500
  Consumption                                                               

  Other Use/Loss   0            0          0          0          0          0

  TOTAL            0            12164      0          16265      0          17500
  Utilization                                                               

  Ending Stocks    0            0          0          0          0          0

  TOTAL            0            13147      0          16824      0          18100
  DISTRIBUTION                                                              
  ---------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Note: Data in the above PS&D were revised so that all data are for
surimi base, and not prepared surimi products.

## Trade Matrices

### Salmon

  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------
  **Import Trade                                         
  Matrix**                                               

  **Country**       France                               

  **Commodity**     Salmon,                              
                    Whole/Eviscerated                    

  Time period       Jan-Dec              Units:          MT

  Imports for:      **2001**                             2002

  U.S.              7621                 U.S.            6291

  Others                                 Others          

  UK                29029                Denmark         27750

  Denmark           26284                UK              26211

  Sweden            10890                Sweden          14010

  Ireland           9100                 Ireland         9582

  Germany           11865                Germany         8177

  Spain             2260                 Spain           2873

  Belgium           1262                 Netherlands     1234

  Netherlands       1121                 Belgium         840

  Canada            646                  Chile           337

  Chile             71                   Canada          214

  Total for Others  92528                                91228

  Others not Listed 390                                  450

  Grand Total       100539                               97969
  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------

  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------
  **Export Trade                                         
  Matrix**                                               

  **Country**       France                               

  **Commodity**     Salmon,                              
                    Whole/Eviscerated                    

  Time period       Jan-Dec              Units:          MT

  Exports for:      **2001**                             2002

  U.S.              0                    U.S.            0

  Others                                 Others          

  Spain             1613                 Spain           4270

  Belgium           1028                 Belgium         1081

  Germany           902                  Germany         463

  Italy             567                  Italy           445

  Total for Others  4110                                 6259

  Others not Listed 1508                                 1621

  Grand Total       5618                                 7880
  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------

The most recent data available is for May 2003. The salmon import trade
matrix for the January-May period is the following:

  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------
  **Import Trade                                         
  Matrix**                                               

  **Country**       France                               

  **Commodity**     Salmon,                              
                    Whole/Eviscerated                    

  Time period       Jan-May              Units:          MT

  Imports for:      **2002**                             2003

  U.S.              1987                 U.S.            1704

  Others                                 Others          

  Denmark           10241                UK              10689

  UK                9826                 Denmark         8082

  Ireland           4814                 Sweden          7385

  Sweden            4555                 Ireland         2581

  Germany           3297                 Germany         1924

  Spain             1029                 Spain           931

  Netherlands       454                  Netherlands     347

  Chile             290                  Belgium         159

  Belgium           173                  Canada          158

                                                         

  Total for Others  34679                                32256

  Others not Listed 390                                  152

  Grand Total       37056                                34112
  ----------------- -------------------- --------------- -----------------

Groundfish Fillets

  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**        France                                 

  **Commodity**      Groundfish, Fillets                    

  Time period        Jan-Dec             Units:             MT

  Imports for:       **2001**                               2002

  U.S.               8653                U.S.               16886

  Others                                 Others             

  Germany            24312               Germany            21956

  Netherlands        20372               Netherlands        18036

  China              21028               Denmark            17009

  Denmark            19464               China              11731

  UK                 10095               UK                 9031

  Russia             8429                Chile              8877

  Belgium            8032                Belgium            6196

  New Zealand        6334                Iceland            6041

  Iceland            5668                Spain              6016

  Spain              5544                New Zealand        5234

  Total for Others   129278                                 110127

  Others not Listed  33456                                  28840

  Grand Total        171387                                 155853
  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------

  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------
  **Export Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**        France                                 

  **Commodity**      Groundfish, Fillets                    

  Time period        Jan-Dec             Units:             MT

  Exports for:       **2001**                               2002

  U.S.               0                   U.S.               0

  Others                                 Others             

  Germany            3295                Germany            2955

  Belgium            3262                Belgium            2681

  Italy              2693                Italy              1583

  UK                 1945                UK                 1386

  Spain              1592                Spain              1246

                                         Denmark            1032

  Total for Others   12787                                  10883

  Others not Listed  3902                                   3347

  Grand Total        16689                                  14230
  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------

French imports of Alaska Pollack frozen fillets and frozen meat:

+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| French     | CY 2001   |              | CY 2002     |             |
| Imports    |           |              |             |             |
|            |           |              |             |             |
| Frozen     |           |              |             |             |
| Alaska     |           |              |             |             |
| Pollack    |           |              |             |             |
| (MT)       |           |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
|            | Frozen    | Frozen Meat  | Frozen      | Frozen Meat |
|            | Fillets   | (03049061)   | Fillets     | (03049061)  |
|            | (         |              | (03042085)  |             |
|            | 03042085) |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| US         | 5734      | 2175         | 14189       | 2632        |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| China      | 16903     | 1340         | 9848        | 827         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Germany    | 10471     | 566          | 9445        | 342         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Russia     | 8068      | 1096         | 3248        | 285         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| UK         | 730       | 507          | 803         | 4           |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Denmark    | 1252      | 167          | 580         | 4           |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| N          | 1527      | 0            | 476         | 237         |
| etherlands |           |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Others     |           |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Total      | 45178     | 5853         | 39033       | 4339        |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+

The most recent data available is for May 2003. The groundfish fillet
import trade matrix for the January-May period is the following:

  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**        France                                 

  **Commodity**      Groundfish, Fillets                    

  Time period        Jan-May             Units:             MT

  Imports for:       **2002**                               2003

  U.S.               7265                U.S.               5562

  Others                                 Others             

  Germany            10838               Denmark            9610

  Netherlands        7552                Germany            8144

  Denmark            7126                Netherlands        7862

  China              5244                China              7300

  UK                 4195                UK                 4447

  Chile              3346                Spain              3391

  Iceland            2692                Chile              3318

  Belgium            2528                Belgium            2735

  New Zealand        2348                New Zealand        2425

  Spain              2265                Russia             2351

  Total for Others   48134                                  51583

  Others not Listed  11685                                  15812

  Grand Total        67084                                  72957
  ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ --------------

### 

French imports of Alaska Pollack frozen fillets and frozen meat in
Jan-May 2002 and Jan-May 2003:

+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| French     | Jan-May   |              | Jan-May     |             |
| Imports    | 2002      |              | 2003        |             |
|            |           |              |             |             |
| Frozen     |           |              |             |             |
| Alaska     |           |              |             |             |
| Pollack    |           |              |             |             |
| (MT)       |           |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
|            | Frozen    | Frozen Meat  | Frozen      | Frozen Meat |
|            | Fillets   | (03049061)   | Fillets     | (03049061)  |
|            | (         |              | (03042085)  |             |
|            | 03042085) |              |             |             |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| US         | 6484      | 1050         | 4337        | 832         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| China      | 4291      | 549          | 6229        | 71          |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Germany    | 4515      | 67           | 3527        | 363         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Russia     | 854       | 28           | 2152        | 841         |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| UK         | 523       | 4            | 977         | 0           |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Denmark    | 347       | 4            | 344         | 33          |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Others     | 513       | 1            | 142         | 0           |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+
| Total      | 17527     | 1703         | 17708       | 2140        |
+------------+-----------+--------------+-------------+-------------+

###  Lobster

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Lobster                              

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 2084            U.S.                 2006

  Others                               Others               

  Canada               2103            Canada               1690

  Spain                1278            Spain                1167

  Bahamas              685             Bahamas              857

  UK                   680             UK                   777

  Ireland              606             Ireland              434

  Belgium              255             Belgium              212

  Cuba                 237             Cuba                 194

  Total for Others     5844                                 5331

  Others not Listed    906                                  884

  Grand Total          8834                                 8221
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Export Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Lobster                              

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Exports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 1               U.S.                 9

  Others                               Others               

  Italy                499             Japan                326

  Japan                273             Spain                118

  Spain                149             Italy                113

  Luxemburg            177             Belgium              94

  Belgium              113             Germany              81

  Total for Others     1211                                 732

  Others not Listed    227                                  163

  Grand Total          1439                                 904
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

The most recent data available is for May 2003. The lobster import trade
matrix for the January-May period is the following:

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Lobster                              

  Time period          Jan-May         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2002**                             2003

  U.S.                 490             U.S.                 436

  Others                               Others               

  Canada               273             Canada               239

  UK                   237             Bahamas              178

  Ireland              205             UK                   161

  Bahamas              121             Spain                117

  Spain                96                                   

                                                            

                                                            

  Total for Others     932                                  695

  Others not Listed    274                                  522

  Grand Total          1696                                 1653
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

###  Scallops

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Scallops                             

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 1460            U.S.                 1698

  Others                               Others               

  UK                   3973            UK                   3419

  Denmark              3199            Argentina            2237

  Chile                1921            Denmark              1986

  Canada               1555            Canada               1885

  Argentina            1553            Chile                1621

  Netherlands          1397            Netherlands          1272

  Peru                 715             Peru                 652

  New Zealand          501             Ireland              483

  Total for Others     14814                                13555

  Others not Listed    1281                                 1585

  Grand Total          17555                                16838
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Export Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Scallops                             

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Exports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 0               U.S.                 0

  Others                               Others               

  Spain                2440            Spain                2317

  Italy                1081            Italy                1629

  Belgium              451             Belgium              358

  UK                   215             Netherlands          196

  Germany              164             Germany              113

  Netherlands          95              UK                   99

  Total for Others     4446                                 4712

  Others not Listed    221                                  277

  Grand Total          4667                                 4989
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

The most recent data available is for May 2003. The scallop import trade
matrix for the January-May period is the following:

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Scallops                             

  Time period          Jan-May         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2002**                             2003

  U.S.                 605             U.S.                 732

  Others                               Others               

  UK                   1105            UK                   1791

  Argentina            916             Argentina            1185

  Netherlands          668             Chile                688

  Chile                648             Canada               532

  Denmark              563             Denmark              434

  New Zealand          233             Vietnam              330

  Peru                 231             Peru                 312

  Ireland              236             Netherlands          287

  Total for Others     4600                                 5559

  Others not Listed    677                                  689

  Grand Total          5882                                 6980
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

### Surimi

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Surimi                               

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 7128            U.S.                 10109

  Others                               Others               

  Thailand             1748            Chile                3139

  Belgium              1657            Belgium              2837

  Chile                1448            Thailand             1512

  South Korea          1286            South Korea          1231

  China                1232            Argentina            586

  Denmark              1023            China                399

  Argentina            977             Peru                 368

  Peru                 327             Canada               309

                                       Netherlands          171

  Total for Others     9698                                 10552

  Others not Listed    408                                  249

  Grand Total          17234                                20910
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Export Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Surimi                               

  Time period          Jan-Dec         Units:               MT

  Exports for:         **2001**                             2002

  U.S.                 0               U.S.                 0

  Others                               Others               

  Spain                2442            Spain                1484

  UK                   143             Lithuania            173

                                       UK                   152

                                                             

  Total for Others     2585                                 1809

  Others not Listed    365                                  428

  Grand Total          2950                                 2237
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

French imports of surimi were broken down as follows in CY 2001 and CY
2002:

+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| French Imports of | S     |       | Pre   |       | Total |       |
| Surimi            | urimi |       | pared |       |       |       |
|                   | Base  |       | S     |       |       |       |
|                   |       |       | urimi |       |       |       |
|                   | 030   |       |       |       |       |       |
|                   | 49005 |       | 160   |       |       |       |
|                   |       |       | 42005 |       |       |       |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|                   | CY    | CY    | CY    | CY    | CY    | CY    |
|                   | 2001  | 2002  | 2001  | 2002  | 2001  | 2002  |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| United States     | 7127  | 10105 | 0     | 4     | 7128  | 10109 |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Chile             | 1448  | 3139  | 0     | 0     | 1448  | 3139  |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Belgium           | 38    | 25    | 1619  | 2812  | 1657  | 2837  |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Thailand          | 19    | 237   | 1729  | 1275  | 1748  | 1512  |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| South Korea       | 0     | 0     | 1286  | 1231  | 1286  | 1231  |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Argentina         | 977   | 586   | 0     | 0     | 977   | 586   |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| China             | 0     | 0     | 1232  | 399   | 1232  | 399   |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Peru              | 326   | 368   | 1     | 0     | 327   | 368   |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Belgium           |       |       |       | 2812  |       |       |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Others            | 1212  | 364   | 227   | 549   | 1431  | 729   |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Total             | 11147 | 14824 | 6094  | 6082  | 17234 | 20910 |
+-------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

The most recent data available is for May 2003. The surimi import trade
matrix for the January-May period is the following:

  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
  **Import Trade                                            
  Matrix**                                                  

  **Country**          France                               

  **Commodity**        Surimi                               

  Time period          Jan-May         Units:               MT

  Imports for:         **2002**                             2003

  U.S.                 4309            U.S.                 3660

  Others                               Others               

  Chile                1057            Belgium              1972

  Belgium              656             Chile                1789

  South Korea          523             Thailand             501

  Thailand             438             South Korea          391

  China                399             Argentina            299

  Peru                 176                                  

  Total for Others     3249                                 4952

  Others not Listed    222                                  347

  Grand Total          7780                                 8959
  -------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------

###  Monkfish

+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| French Imports of Monkfish (Jan-Dec, MT)  | 2001        | 2002        |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| U.S.                                      | 968         | 1250        |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| UK                                        | 3029        | 3849        |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| Ireland                                   | 798         | 652         |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| Brazil                                    | 253         | 341         |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| Spain                                     | 278         | 311         |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| Others                                    | 2152        | 894         |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| Total                                     | 7478        | 7297        |
|                                           |             |             |
|                                           |             | 7297        |
+-------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+

+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| French Imports                 | Jan-May 2002     | Jan-May 2003     |
|                                |                  |                  |
| Monkfish (MT)                  |                  |                  |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| U.S.                           | 569              | 500              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| UK                             | 1753             | 1742             |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| China                          | 88               | 360              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Brazil                         | 92               | 231              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Ireland                        | 236              | 214              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Netherlands                    | 69               | 212              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Spain                          | 64               | 191              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Others                         | 160              | 537              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Grand Total                    | 3031             | 3756             |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+

###  Dogfish

  ------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
  French Imports of Dogfish (Jan-Dec, MT)     2001          2002

  U.S.                                        682           543

  Canada                                      779           916

  UK                                          1108          802

  Spain                                       423           588

  Others                                      1782          1651

  Total                                       4774          4500
  ------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------

+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| French Imports                 | Jan-May 2002     | Jan-May 2003     |
|                                |                  |                  |
| Dogfish (MT)                   |                  |                  |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| U.S.                           | 174              | 44               |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| UK                             | 395              | 504              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Spain                          | 261              | 433              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Canada                         | 320              | 346              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Germany                        | 152              | 243              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Others                         | 580              | 565              |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Grand Total                    | 1882             | 2135             |
+--------------------------------+------------------+------------------+

## 

## Tariff Tables

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Customs Codes Fresh/Frozen Whole    Tariffs 2003
  Salmon                              

  03 02 12                            2

  03 02 19                            8

  03 03 11                            2

  03 03 19                            2

  03 03 22                            2

  03 03 29                            9
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Groundfish Fillets                |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 13                       | 2                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 15                       | 12                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 17                       | 12                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 19                       | 9                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 31                       | 18                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 33                       | 18                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 35                       | 18                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 38                       | 18                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 91                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 97                       | (\*)                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 10 98                       | (\*)                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 13                       | 2                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 15                       | 12                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 17                       | 12                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 19                       | 9                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 21                       | 7.5                               |
|                                   |                                   |
| to 03 04 20 43                    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 45                       | 18                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 51                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 53                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 55                       | 7.5                               |
|                                   |                                   |
| to 03 04 20 73                    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 75                       | 15                                |
|                                   |                                   |
| to 03 04 20 85                    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 87                       | 7.5                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 88                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 91                       | 7.5                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 95                       | 15(\*\*)                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

(\*) Jan 1^st^-Feb 14, and June 16-Dec 31: TRQ of 34,000 MT, for
reference priced :

03 02 40 00

03 03 50 00

03 04 10 97

03 04 10 98

03 04 90 22

(\*\*)TRQ of 200 MT

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Lobster                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 11 10                       | 12.5                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 11 90                       | 12.5                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 12 10                       | 6                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 12 90                       | 16                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 21 00                       | 12.5                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 22 10                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 22 91                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 06 22 99                       | 10                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Scallops                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 07 21 00                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 07 29 10                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 07 29 90                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Surimi                            |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 90 05                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 16 04 20 05                       | 20                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Monkfish                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 02 69 81                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 03 79 81                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 83                       | 15                                |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 90 57                       | 7.5                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Customs Codes                     | Tariffs 2003                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| Dogfish                           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 02 65 20                       | 6                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 02 65 50                       | 6                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 02 65 90                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 03 75 20                       | 6                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 03 75 50                       | 6                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 03 75 90                       | 8                                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 61                       | 7.5                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 03 04 20 69                       | 7.5                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# Section III: Production, Supply and Demand

## Production

### Total Fishery Products

## 

The most recent complete data available on French seafood and
aquaculture production from the French Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries (MinAg) and the French Seafood board (OFIMER) is for 2001. It
includes the following:

  --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                    2000                  2001       

                                    Quantity   Value      Quantity   Value
                                    (MT)       (million   (MT)       (million
                                               Euros)                Euros)

  Fresh Wild Catch Sold at Auction  293,983    684        307,981    704
  Markets                                                            

  Fresh Wild Catch not Sold at      83,707     176        95,002     206
  Auction Markets                                                    

  Aquaculture                       269,409    471        254,020    483

  Frozen Wild Catch                 219,603    156        203,474    160

  TOTAL                             866,702    1,487      860,477    1,552
  --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Sources: OFIMER, MinAg

To date, only sales at auction markets are available for 2002. They
included the following:

  ------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
                2001                            2002                  

                Quantity   Value      Average   Quantity   Value      Average
                (MT)       (million   Price     (MT)       (million   Price
                           Euros)     (Euro per            Euros)     (Euro per
                                      kg)                             kg)

  Finfish       231,965    533        2.30      217,632    525        2.41

  Crustaceans   10,502     64         6.14      10,431     69         6.59

  Shellfish     28,667     54         1.90      30,332     54         1.80

  Cephalopods   18,287     51         2.80      23,066     62         2.69
  ------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------

Source: OFIMER

### Canned Fishery Products

France is a major producer of canned fishery products. As indicated in
the following table, the major species canned in France are tuna,
sardines and mackerel.

  -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
                 2001                          2002           

                 Raw material   Processed      Raw material   Processed
                 used (whole    Products (net  used (whole    Products (net
                 fish           weight, MT)    fish           weight, MT)
                 equivalent,                   equivalent,    
                 MT)                           MT)            

  Sardines       18,328         10,798         15,774         9,956

  Tuna           43,031         47,653         39,960         43,005

  Mackerel       36,120         21,289         33,885         21,305

  Other (incl.   4,594          8,408          6,241          9,187
  Herring,                                                    
  salmon,                                                     
  shellfish and                                               
  other)                                                      

  Total          102,073        88,148         95,860         83,453
  -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------

Source: FIAC (French Federation for the Canning Industry)

[http://www.adepale.org](http://www.adepale.org/)

### Salmon

French salmon production is marginal. The only company currently
producing farmed salmon is SaumonFrance Cherbourg, located in Normandy.
The company belongs to the Norwegian group Inaq. In 2003, salmon
production amounted to 400 MT, and 900 MT are expected in 2004. Most of
the production is sold fresh, whole, salted and gutted. This salmon is
sold at higher prices than the market average because it is very fresh.

While salmon production is marginal in France, there is a significant
production of trout through aquaculture. Trout is the leading species
produced in France by aquaculture. Salmon and trout products are in
direct competition on the French market. Since salmon and trout belong
to the same family (Salmonidae), the aspect and texture of their meat
are close. Also, salmon and trout are both sold fresh and smoked on the
French market. In 2001, French trout production amounted to 45,000 MT,
which is significantly lower than the 100,600 MT of salmon imported.

### Groundfish

According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and
Rural Affairs, the following quantities of groundfish were caught by
French boats in 2000, 2001 and 2002:

+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | 2000    |         | 2001    |         | 2002    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   |
|        | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   |
|        | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  |
|        | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  |
|        |         |         |         |         |         |         |
|        | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Cod    | 11,886  | 29,986  | 11,308  | 30,142  | 11,661  | 28,292  |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| H      | 4,381   | 5,573   | 5,989   | 7,705   | 5,885   | 7,403   |
| addock |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| P      | 26,942  | 24,468  | 28,754  | 26,855  | 30,149  | 26,832  |
| ollack |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| W      | 35,105  | 29,493  | 38,535  | 31,018  | 33,168  | 30,966  |
| hiting |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Hake   | 11,637  | 45,756  | 10,000  | 38,528  | 13,585  | 50,174  |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| TOTAL  | 89,951  | 131,976 | 94,586  | 134,248 | 94,448  | 143,667 |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

### Lobster

According to the French MinAg, French production of lobster was the
following in 2000, 2001 and 2002:

+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | 2000    |         | 2001    |         | 2002    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   |
|        | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   |
|        | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  |
|        | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  |
|        |         |         |         |         |         |         |
|        | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| L      | 332     | 6,714   | 332     | 6,763   | 362     | 7,259   |
| obster |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Rock   | 72      | 2,284   | 59      | 2,117   | 54      | 1,967   |
| L      |         |         |         |         |         |         |
| obster |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| TOTAL  | 404     | 8,998   | 391     | 8,880   | 416     | 9,226   |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

### Scallops

French scallop production was the following:

+---------+---------+----------+---------+----------+---------+--------+
| S       | 2000    |          | 2001    |          | 2002    |        |
| callops |         |          |         |          |         |        |
+---------+---------+----------+---------+----------+---------+--------+
|         | Qua     | Sales    | Qua     | Sales    | Qua     | Sales  |
|         | ntities | Value    | ntities | Value    | ntities | Value  |
|         | P       | (1,000   | P       | (1,000   | P       | (1,000 |
|         | roduced | Euros)   | roduced | Euros)   | roduced | Euros) |
|         |         |          |         |          |         |        |
|         | (MT)    |          | (MT)    |          | (MT)    |        |
+---------+---------+----------+---------+----------+---------+--------+
| i       | 13,745  | 44,128   | 16,903  | 50,946   | 19,388  | 51,359 |
| n-shell |         |          |         |          |         |        |
| s       |         |          |         |          |         |        |
| callops |         |          |         |          |         |        |
+---------+---------+----------+---------+----------+---------+--------+
| shelled | 2,201   |          | 2,486   |          | 2,851   |        |
| equ     |         |          |         |          |         |        |
| ivalent |         |          |         |          |         |        |
+---------+---------+----------+---------+----------+---------+--------+

Note: the conversion factor used to convert in-shell scallop production
into shelled scallop production is 6.8.

### Surimi

According to the French surimi development association (ADISUR), French
domestic production of surimi continued to increase in 2002 to 35,600 MT
(a 13% increase from 2002), responding to the growing domestic
consumption, which was estimated at 39,400 MT. The following graph
illustrates the continuing growth in both French domestic production and
demand for surimi since 1994.

![](media/image206.wmf)

This information is available on ADISUR's website:
<http://www.alesial.org/21.htm>

### Monkfish and Dogfish

According to the French MinAg, French production of monkfish and dogfish
was the following in 2000, 2001 and 2002:

+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | 2000    |         | 2001    |         | 2002    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
|        | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   | Qua     | Sales   |
|        | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   | ntities | Value   |
|        | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  | P       | (1,000  |
|        | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  | roduced | Euros)  |
|        |         |         |         |         |         |         |
|        | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         | (MT)    |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Mo     | 13,056  | 62,703  | 13,566  | 61,540  | 15,376  | 68,632  |
| nkfish |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| D      | 14,729  | 15,472  | 14,270  | 15,193  | 12,186  | 13,235  |
| ogfish |         |         |         |         |         |         |
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

## Consumption

### Total Fishery Products

## 

According to the French Seafood Board (OFIMER) and surveys conducted by
the GIRA and SECODIP agencies on French food service and household
seafood consumption, respectively, total consumption of seafood declined
by 1% from 2001 to 2002. The decline suggests the BSE effect is fading
as the French consumer's fear of BSE had boosted seafood consumption in
2001.

The 1% decline in total seafood consumption in 2002 was mainly due to
the 3% decline in household purchases, partially offset by the 5%
increase in food service consumption. The following graph illustrates
the trend in French seafood consumption in the HRI sector and by French
households. Since 1998, food service consumption has accounted for 26.5%
to 28-.5% of total seafood consumption.

![](media/image207.wmf)

Note: HRI data was not available for 1999

According to OFIMER, French household and HRI consumption of total
fishery products was broken down as follows in 2001 and 2002 (in MT):

  ------------------- ------------------- -------------- -------- -------------------- -------------- --------- ---------
                                          Households              HRI 2002                            Total     Total
                                          2002                                                        2002      2001 (2)

                                          Supermarkets   Other    Hotels/Restaurants   Institutions             
                                                         (1)                                                    

  Whole Finfish       Fresh               28,979         21,990   23,900               1,765          76,633    80,322

                      Frozen              2,609          0        5,400                965            8,974     9,417

  Finfish Cuts        Fresh               61,183         19,410   11,060               12,480         104,133   101,534

                      Frozen              61,281         0        17,450               52,170         130,901   123,662

  Crustaceans         Fresh               23,404         9,736    8,100                430            41,670    38,272

                      Frozen              10,113         0        4,030                1,700          15,843    16,384

  Shellfish           Fresh               45,027         31,818   41,495               2,200          120,539   135,295

                      Frozen              3,976          0        7,280                2,600          13,856    13,601

  Cephalopods         Fresh               2,766          1,422    675                  580            5,443     4,929

                      Frozen              2,314          0        780                  1,700          4,794     5,691

  Catering/Prepared   Fresh               67,662         2,611    4,360                1,300          75,934    72,650
  Seafood                                                                                                       

                      Frozen              39,977         0        2,155                4,030          46,162    45,334

  Canned                                  105,673        1,349    2,370                5,530          114,922   120,688

  Total Fishery       Fresh               161,359        84,375   85,230               17,455         348,418   360,352
  Products                                                                                                      

                      Catering/Prepared   67,662         2,611    4,360                1,300          75,934    72,650
                      Seafood                                                                                   

                      Frozen              120,269        0        37,095               63,165         220,529   214,089

                      Canned              105,673        1,349    2,370                5,530          114,922   120,688

                      TOTAL               454,962        88,336   129,055              87,450         759,803   767,779
  ------------------- ------------------- -------------- -------- -------------------- -------------- --------- ---------

Source: OFIMER, GIRA, SECODIP

Note (1): Other retailers than supermarkets include freezer centers,
street markets, specialized fish shops and direct sales.

Note (2): For full detail of 2001 consumption, see report FR2068, dated
10/01/2002

In 2002, French seafood consumption was broken down as follows:

![](media/image208.wmf)

The market for frozen seafood products, which is of interest to U.S.
exporters, represented 22% of French households purchases and 46% of
food service purchases.

### Salmon

France is the largest European consumer and importer of salmon. Salmon
products (fresh, frozen, and processed) represent 10 percent of the
volume of finfish consumed in France every year. French per capita
consumption is 2 kilograms per year, whole salmon equivalent. The French
principally consume salmon fresh or smoked.

In 2002, French household purchases of fresh and smoked salmon were
stable in quantity and value from 2001, despite lower prices. This
indicates that the French market for salmon is mature and saturated. In
2002, salmon represented 16% (215 million euros) of French household
purchases of fresh finfish, in value, before cod (10%), whiting (7%),
pollack (6%), sole (6%), and monkfish (5%). At the same time, salmon
accounted for 75 percent (273 million euros) of French household
purchases of smoked finfish, far ahead of smoked trout (0.9 percent).
Finally, frozen salmon purchases in 2002 increased by 3% from 2001.

Most French household purchase salmon in supermarkets: in 2002 this
represented 84% of the sales for a value of 175 million euros. Most of
the Alaska salmon on the French market is sold in HRI sector.

The success of salmon on the French market is principally due to the
price decline of the past decade, as a result of the increased salmon
farming in Norway, Scotland and Ireland. In addition, salmon products
sold on the French market are numerous, including various cuts (whole,
steaks, fillets), and processing (fresh, frozen, smoked, marinated,
carpaccio). Salmon products on the French market are therefore in direct
competition with groundfish fillets, as well as meat and poultry cuts.

### Groundfish Fillets

Groundfish fillets compete on the French market with salmon, poultry and
meat cuts. Cod and pollack are the most popular species in French
households, as indicated in the graph below:

![](media/image209.wmf)

Of interest for U.S. exporters is frozen Alaska pollack, imports of
which increased significantly in 2002. As indicated in the above graph,
frozen products represented 60% of French households purchases of
pollack in 2002. Sales of frozen pollack increased by 3% in 2002, while
sales of frozen breaded pollack increased by 1%.

## 

### Lobster

Lobster is mainly consumed in the HRI sector in France, as it is a
luxury product not often prepared at home. It is principally consumed in
December during the Holiday Season. Canadian lobster and American
lobster compete for French market, but U.S. lobster is mainly imported
fresh, while Canadian lobster is principally imported frozen. In 2002,
French household consumption of fresh lobster and rock lobster was 1,433
MT (an increase of 17% from 2001), for a value of 44 million euros (an
increase of 22%).

### Scallops

In France, the market for scallops is segmented into the fresh and the
frozen markets. Fresh scallops go to the HRI sector (40 percent),
supermarkets (30 percent), and specialized fish shops (30 percent).
Fresh scallops are mainly consumed in December as a festive product. In
2002, French households purchased 5,499 MT of fresh in-shell scallops
(up 4 percent from 2000) and 944 MT of fresh-shelled scallops (down 12
percent from 2000).

The total French market for frozen scallops is estimated at 75,000 MT
in-shell scallop equivalent, i.e., 11,000 MT unshelled. Half of this is
processed into prepared meals with scallops, a third is sold in
supermarket chains, and the remainder is sold to the HRI sector.

### Surimi

France is the largest European consumer of surimi, ahead of number 2
Spain. As indicated in the Production section of this report, French
surimi consumption continues to increase significantly, and amounted to
39,430 MT in 2002. It included 24,564 MT purchased by French households,
for a value of 191 million euros. Surimi sticks represent 75% of the
household purchases.

## 

## Trade

### Salmon

In 2002, French imports of salmon from the United States declined by
17%, and went back to their 2000 levels. In 2002, French imports of
salmon from the United States included 90% frozen whole Pacific salmon
(030319) and 10% frozen Sockeye salmon (030311). Part of the decline in
U.S. shipments to France can be traced to U.S. tendency to offer whole
salmon, while the French market demands fillets and cuts. The U.S.
market share declined from 7.6% in 2001 to 6.4% in 2002. A slight
decline was also recorded during the first five months of 2003 compared
to the same period in 2002. In 2003, one French importer stated he plans
to import a significant amount of fresh Alaska salmon to be sold in a
major supermarket chain.

French imports from Denmark and Sweden that appear in the trade matrices
are transshipments through these countries from Norway. Norwegian and
Scottish products are the main competitors of U.S. salmon on the French
market. There are also some direct shipments of salmon from Chile. In
2002, French salmon imports from Chile increased significantly, but
Chile remained a marginal supplier to France compared to Norway,
Scotland, Ireland and Alaska.

### Groundfish Fillets

In 2002, French imports of groundfish fillets from the United States
almost doubled, 84 percent of which were Alaska pollack fillets. The
American product took over Russian market share. This resulted from the
a change in Russian production practices from pollack fillets to headed
and gutted pollack.

The jump in U.S. exports in 2002 also resulted from the decline in
Chinese exports to France, resulting from veterinary/sanitary
restrictions from the EU. However, the Chinese product is back on the EU
and French markets for 2003, as the sanitary restrictions on Chinese
seafood are now lifted: shipments of groundfish fillets from China
increased by 40% in the first five months of 2003. Also, French imports
of groundfish fillets from Russia have recovered significantly in
Jan-May 2003. As a result, U.S. exports to France declined by 23% during
that period, although the United States remained France's fifth leading
supplier of groundfish fillets.

### Lobster

French imports of lobster in the trade matrix were broken down as
follows in CY 2002:

  ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
              Live/Fresh   Frozen       Frozen Rock  Live/Fresh   TOTAL
              Lobster      Lobster      Lobster      Rock Lobster LOBSTER
              (030622)     (030612)     (030611)     (030621)     

  Total       3486         1209         2948         577          8220

  United      1852         1            142          11           2006
  States                                                          

  Canada      672          1018         0            0            1690

  Spain       3            2            1095         68           1168

  Bahamas     0            0            857          0            857

  UK          534          84           150          9            777

  Ireland     244          35           144          11           434

  Belgium     26           55           130          1            212

  Cuba        0            0            75           119          194
  ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

### 

his table clearly indicates that the United States is, by far, the
leading supplier of live and fresh lobster to France, while Canada is
the number one supplier of frozen lobster to France. Frozen and
live/fresh rock lobster are mainly supplied by the Bahamas and Cuba to
France, either directly or through Spain.

American and Canadian lobsters are very price-competitive on the French
market with lobster caught in France, the UK and Ireland.

### Scallops

French imports of scallops in the trade matrix were broken down as
follows in 2002 (in MT):

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | Live/Fresh      | Frozen Scallops | TOTAL SCALLOPS  |
|                 | Scallops        | (030729)        |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
|                 | \(030721\)      |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Total           | 2953            | 13873           | 16826           |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| US              | 40              | 1658            | 1698            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| UK              | 2416            | 1001            | 3417            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Argentina       | 0               | 2236            | 2236            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Denmark         | 2               | 1983            | 1985            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Canada          | 38              | 1845            | 1883            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Chile           | 55              | 1568            | 1623            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Netherlands     | 202             | 1069            | 1271            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Peru            | 0               | 651             | 651             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Ireland         | 171             | 310             | 481             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

This table indicates that the United States is France's fourth leading
supplier of frozen scallops, after Argentina, Denmark, and Canada. In
the past five years, U.S. exports of frozen scallops to France have
boomed, as indicated in the graph below:

![](media/image210.wmf)

This graph indicates that since 1997, French imports of frozen scallops
have gradually increased by almost 3,000 MT. Most of this increase has
been filled by rising shipments from the United States, Argentina,
Chile, and Canada. By contrast, Chinese products have disappeared from
the French market, due to sanitary restrictions, and imports from Peru
have declined significantly.

During the first five months of 2003, U.S. exports of frozen scallops to
France continued to increase. The U.S. market share is growing on the
good prices and availability of scallops on the East Coast of the United
States.

### Surimi

The United States is, by far, France's leading supplier of surimi base,
which is principally made from Alaska pollack.

![](media/image211.wmf)

Surimi base imported by France from the United States is processed,
flavored and packaged in France by French processors. However, there are
no shipments of surimi preparations from the United States to France.
The bulk of surimi preparations imported by France come from China,
Thailand and South Korea, either directly or through Belgium.

![](media/image212.wmf)

Although Lithuania and Estonia don't directly appear in French import
data, shipments of surimi preparations from these countries through
Belgium took place in recent years. These were shipments from the
Lithuanian company VICIUNAI, also present in Estonia, which is the
world's largest surimi processing plant: its surimi production capacity
is estimated at 60,000 MT in 2003. VICIUNAI exports to Spain, Portugal
and Italy. In France, to date, VICIUNAI products are limited to
supermarket-branded products. These products are in direct competition
with products sold under French brands and processed from U.S. surimi
base.

## Marketing

### Trade Shows

-   European Seafood Exposition, Brussels

The European Seafood Exposition is the leading seafood show in Europe.
It takes place every year in Brussels, Belgium. The last ESE was held on
May 6-8, 2003, and the next ESE will take place on May 4-6, 2004.

All information to participate is located at:
[http://www.euroseafood.com](http://www.euroseafood.com/)

FAS/Paris promotes seafood products in France through trade shows and
marketing activities. The best way for a U.S. company to penetrate the
French market is to participate in trade shows. FAS/Paris recommends the
following trade shows which are USDA-endorsed and where U.S. companies
participating in USDA's Market Access Program (MAP) can be reimbursed up
to 50 percent of their expenses if they join the U.S. Pavilion.

-   SIAL (International Food Show), France

The International Food Show (SIAL) takes place every other year in
Paris, France. It is the EU's leading food show along with Germany's
ANUGA. In 2002, there were 5,240 exhibitors in total and 135,000
visitors at SIAL. Next SIAL will take place in 2004 on October 17-21.
Information to participate is located at:
[http://www.sial.fr](http://www.sial.fr/)

SIAL is a USDA-endorsed show with U.S.A. Pavilions. To participate in
the USA Pavilion at SIAL, please contact:

IMEX Management, Inc.

505 East Boulevard, Suite 200

Charlotte, NC 28203

Tel: 704 365 0041

Fax: 704 365 8426

Email: <sial@imexmgt.com>

Contact: François Gros

-   SIRHA (International Hotel Catering and Food Trade Exhibition)

A USDA-endorsed show with a U.S. Pavilion.

SIRHA is the premier international forum for the Hotel, Restaurant, and
Institution (HRI) Food Service Sector. It is also the international
meeting place for Chefs and food professionals.

SIRHA showcases quality food and food ingredient products as well as
foodservice equipment and industry innovation. This show, closely linked
to Chicago\'s National Restaurant Association Trade Show, is also host
to the world famous \"Bocuse d\'Or\" and the World Pastry Cup culinary
competitions.

In 2003, SIRHA had 1,540 exhibitors, including 234 exhibitors from 19
countries. There were 160,000 visitors including 6,300 international
visitors from 75 countries and 650 journalists from all over the world.

Visitors at SIRHA are hotel/restaurant managers, caterers, wholesalers,
distributors and importers from supermarkets and the food service and
retail sectors.

To participate at SIRHA in January 2005, please contact:

Maria Nemeth-Ek/Sharon Cook

Trade Show Office

USDA - FAS

1400 Independence Ave., SW - Stop 1052

Room 4939 - South Building

Washington, D.C. 20250-1052

Tel: (202) 720 3623

Fax: (202) 690 4374

Email: <nemeth@usda.gov>

<sharon.cook@usda.gov>

or:

SEPELCOM

Marie-Odile Fondeur

Avenue Louise Bleriot - BP 87

69683 Chassieu Cedex

Tel: (33-4) 72 22 3241

Fax: (33-4) 72 22 3218

Email: <mofondeur@sepelcom.com>

Internet: [www.sirha.com](http://www.sirha.com/)

### U.S. Seafood Cooperators in France 

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) promotes U.S. wild salmon,
Alaska pollack and surimi in France. ASMI's website is:

[http://www.alaskaseafood.org]{.underline}

ASMI is represented in France by MARKONSULT

58, rue Pottier

78150 Le Chesnay

Tel: (33-1) 39 23 20 07

Fax: (33-1) 39 23 20 17

<NMasson@Alaskaseafood.org>

The American Seafood Institute (ASI) promotes U.S. seafood from the East
coast, lobster, scallops, monkfish and dogfish.

ASI/Rhode Island Seafood

212, Main Street, Suite 3

Wakefield

RI 02879

Tel: (401) 364 6185

fax: (401) 789 9727

East Coast Seafood France SARL (U.S. lobster)

Dominique Moreau

1, rue de la Corderie

94586 Rungis Cedex

tel: (33-1) 49 78 92 54

fax: (33-1) 46 86 35 74

[dmoreau@myseafood.com]{.underline}

FAS/Paris and the State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs), i.e., SUSTA,
WUSATA, Food-Export-USA and MIATCO conduct promotional activities for
seafood products in France. For more information on these activities,
please visit our website or contact FAS/Paris directly. For additional
information on above trade shows and activities, please contact
FAS/Paris at:

<agparis@usda.gov>

or visit our website at:
[http://]{.underline}[www.amb-usa.fr/fas/hfas.htm](http://www.amb-usa.fr/fas/hfas.htm)

[SUSTA Initiative:]{.underline}

The Southern US Trade Association (SUSTA) has recently launched a
project to help Southern US seafood companies develop markets in Europe,
and France in particular. The seafood species SUSTA is targeting are
catfish, clams, conch, crab, crawfish, monkfish, oysters, scallops,
shark, shrimp, spiny lobster, squid and trout. Interested U.S. exporters
and French importers may contact:

Kara H. Smith

SUSTA European Seafood Initiative Project Manager

Taskforce Europe

J. v. Oldenbarneveltlaan 4

2582NN The Hague, Netherlands

tel. +31 (0) 70 322 8050

fax +31 (0) 70 322 8049

mobile +31 (0) 65157 8037

<kara@taskforceeurope.com>

[http://www.taskforceeurope.com](http://www.taskforceeurope.com/)

[http://www.susta.org](http://www.susta.org/)