A fish processor in this province congratulates Ottawa on reaching a trade deal with China, but would have preferred to see more than just lobster and crab receive tariff relief.

Danny Dumaresque, President and CEO of Labrador Gem Seafoods, which has a plant in Ramea, says the 25 per cent tariff on whelk and sea cucumber makes it difficult for him to secure contracts in China. He’s trying to get into Hong Kong as the duties do not apply there.

The Ramea plant employed about 65 people last year, and Dumaresque is trying to find a market for his product.

“Lobster and crab affects thousands of people, but in 3PS whelk and sea cucumber are very much a part of fishers and plant workers employment. Right now those full 25 per cent tariffs still apply. So, for us, the diversification challenge is real and we will continue to search the globe for new markets, and in my case particularly, whelk.”