HAIKOU /China/, July 22. /TASS/. The total export volume of aquatic products of China's southern province of Hainan in January-June this year amounted to 79 thousand tons, which is 8.7% higher than the figure for the same period last year, Hainan Daily reported citing data from Haikou City Customs.
In terms of value, 1.81 billion yuan ($254.9 million) worth of relevant products were shipped to foreign markets, up 24.7% year on year. This is a new record high. Tilapia shipments accounted for up to 90% of total exports during the period.
"The tilapia we export has been praised by overseas buyers for its excellent quality and is very popular," the newspaper quoted an employee of a company that exports the fish to the US, EU and other countries.
As the newspaper points out, Hainan's favorable climate creates unique conditions for tilapia farming. For many years, Hainan has been the country's leading producer of this fish, which is very popular in the international market.
According to the newspaper, Haikou Customs is working closely with producers of tilapia and other aquatic products to optimize export control, simplify customs procedures and reduce costs for exporters.