Population growth has remained static for the last few years. Moreover, the products are popular only among those aged over 40 years, for their medicinal value, low fat and high calcium content. The product is also popular during Chinese New Year celebrations, wedding dinners and banquets. Imports and exports Imports of all fish and fishery products, including dried items, are not taxed. Most of the products imported into Hong Kong are regraded according to quality, size and species before being sold to domestic or re-export markets.
Big importers maintain warehouses where sorting takes place.
Some 85 per cent of these exports are directed to China and 10 per cent to Taiwan, while the balance is exported to the USA, Europe, Korea, and Singapore. During the late 1980s, the imports ranged from 500 to 600 mt a year. Total imports have decreased slightly in 1995 due to lower supplies from Madagascar and Tanzania. Imports of African origin mainly consist of cheaper-quality sandfish and some white teatfish. Some of the best-quality products are imported from Tonga, Fiji and Australia.