At an online meeting on April 29 dedicated to strategic trade cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the seafood sector, industry organizations from both countries and Russian exporters—including members of the Association of Fishing Fleet Owners (AFFO)—presented opportunities to expand collaboration, the AFFO press service reports.
Russia Pushes for Easier Seafood Exports to Brazil Amid Tariff Hurdles
Amid restrictions on certain foreign markets, Brazil is emerging as a growing destination for Russian seafood exports. New producers are regularly gaining access to this market, with their number now exceeding 60.
As noted by AFFO Vice President Alexey Osintsev, the Brazilian market holds promise for both Russian frozen fish and value-added seafood products, particularly pollock fillet and surimi, as well as clipfish made from cod, which is produced in Murmansk.
At the same time, Osintsev highlighted that high import tariffs are currently hindering the export of certain Russian seafood products to Brazil. For instance, duties on pollock and salmon fillets stand at 10%, while canned fish faces a 16% tariff. Meanwhile, a number of countries—including MERCOSUR members and Chile—benefit from a preferential zero-rate duty.
Potential solutions to this challenge could include temporary bilateral trade agreements or negotiations to secure duty-free imports of seafood for government needs.
