Virus halts crayfish exports
The coronavirus has halted exports of New Zealand rock lobster to China and the $320 million industry is seeking government assistance.
Other food exporters are nervously watching developments too.
As well as restricting travel and closing local transport services, Chinese authorities are also discouraging large gatherings traditionally held around Chinese New Year, and many Chinese are also staying home to eat for fear of contracting the virus which has so far killed
132 people, mostly in China. As of yesterday morning there were
6000 confirmed cases.
Rock Lobster Industry Council chief executive Mark Edwards said restaurant closures were occurring ‘‘well outside the epicentre’’ of the viral outbreak in Wuhan, and exports of live lobsters from New Zealand to China stopped last week as a result of the ‘‘dramatically’’ reduced demand.
While supporting efforts to mitigate public health risks, the timing of the virus outbreak was unfortunate because it occurred during the peak demand period over the Chinese New Year when prices were higher, Edwards said.
The industry is worth around
$320 million annually and directly and indirectly employs
2500 New Zealanders, so there would be significant economic impacts if solutions could not be found, Edwards said.
Lobsters already harvested were being held in facilities around the country and looking for alternative markets was an option, but the Rock Lobster Industry Council is also talking to the Government and Fisheries New Zealand about ways to reduce the impact of the sudden drop in exports.
‘‘The discussions with Government have been constructive, and although the issues are complex, we are hopeful of a good outcome.’’
Edwards would not be drawn on whether the council had sought financial assistance, or whether there could be job losses.