New Zealand seeking clarification as China suspends some seafood exports

Published Feb 10, 2021

Tridge summary

New Zealand is seeking clarification from China after exports from two seafood facilities have been suspended. The facilities, owned by Sanford and Sealord Group, were recently subjected to live video audits by Chinese customs, but were not informed of the findings and suspensions until Monday. The suspensions do not relate to COVID-19 transmission but to other concerns raised in the audit. China has previously used trade sanctions against neighboring Australia, but relations with New Zealand have not been affected and the two countries recently upgraded their free-trade deal.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

WELLINGTON: New Zealand said on Wednesday (Feb 10) that it was urgently seeking clarification from Chinese authorities after being informed that exports from two of its seafood facilities have been suspended. Exports from a Sanford facility that processes mussels and Sealord Group facility that processes finfish and fishmeal for animal feeds were suspended, New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said in a statement. Both facilities were subject to live video audits by Chinese customs in late January but they were only advised of the findings and suspensions on Monday, MPI said. "This issue does not relate to COVID-19 transmission, but concerns matters raised following an audit of two processing premises," said Julie Collins, Deputy Director-General Policy & Trade at MPI. New Zealand has taken strong measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and does not have community transmission, Collins said. "This includes our strong hygiene measures put in place by food ...

Source: Channelnewsasia