P.E.I. bluefin tuna in high demand as season opens early, says Island exporter
‘The Canadian product is well respected around the world,’ says TNT Tuna owner
There's currently strong global demand for bluefin tuna from Prince Edward Island, says a local exporter who buys and ships the fish around the world.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada opened the commercial bluefin tuna fishery on July 1, two weeks earlier than usual.
Jason Tompkins, owner of North Lake-based TNT Tuna, said some Island harvesters have already headed out early to take advantage of high prices.
"The Canadian product is well respected around the world. And we've got a list of customers who are waiting to get one," Tompkins told CBC's Island Morning.
Demand from restaurants in regions including Europe, North America and Asia is generally highest in early summer when people are travelling and enjoying better weather and boosting seafood consumption, Tompkins said.
While only about seven to 10 boats were fishing for tuna last week, sightings have been promising, he said. Six tuna were already brought in from three different ports along P.E.I.'s North Shore as of Monday morning.
An eye on tariffs
Tompkins said his company is monitoring the tariff situation in the United States, though he is not aware of any current taxes directly impacting bluefin tuna sales or prices.
"We're keeping a close eye," he said. "We really try not to worry about it too much."
Just this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would announce a 50 per cent tax on imported copper, adding to the growing list of tariffs that are causing economic disturbance in Canada and around the world.
Trump has already imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum and vehicles, which have been particularly damaging to the Canadian economy, leading to job losses and a drop in exports.
Tompkins said broader economic uncertainty could influence consumer behaviour.
"If there are tariffs, if unemployment gets affected, auto workers in Ontario lose their job, how many people are going out for a $200 sushi dinner?" he said.
"While there are no direct impacts, we're always keeping a pretty close eye on... factors that you don't always take into account."
To prepare for possible supply chain issues or downturns in the U.S. market, which currently accounts for about 10 per cent of TNT Tuna's annual exports, Tompkins said the company has taken steps to diversify.
"We spent the winter doing a lot of trade shows in Europe and in Asia," he said.
"We've gone out and found new clients in case anything does happen where our supply chains in the U.S. get compromised, so we're ready for it one way or the other."
With files from Island Morning