Unfortunately, due to poor nation-wide infrastructure, refrigerated equipment and seafood's high mortality rate, distribution is limited to coastal cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai. Poor storage sometimes results in frozen seafood being left out for hours before being put in freezers at supermarkets. This reduces the quality of seafood tremendously. In China, not many local people know about Canadian seafood. This is unfortunate because the China market has enormous potential.
Opportunities exists for Canadian seafood companies to enter the China market.
Prior to entering the market, companies should consider strategies to advertise and promote their products, educate local retailers and consumers to store, prepare and eat the seafood. Attending trade exhibitions is very helpful in the promotion of seafood products and how it will be received in the local market. Although there are trade restrictions and high tariffs in China, these trade barriers are gradually being addressed. For example, on 1 October 1997 the Chinese Government reduced most of the tariffs to liberalize trade with foreign countries. Slowly, other barriers will be dealt with accordingly so that, trade with China is more open and accessible.