Taiwan grouper fish with traceability tags now being sold in China market

CHINA Monday, January 14, 2013 BEIJING -- Frozen groupers from Taiwan with certificates of traceability are now being sold in China. The fish, processed with a quick freeze technology, can remain as fresh after thawing as when newly caught, according to grouper farmers from Taiwan's Pingtung County. The farmers, who are currently in Beijing to promote fish sales, said frozen groupers are also more healthful for consumers because live groupers usually have to be given anesthetic and antibiotic injections before delivery. China is the largest market for Taiwan bred groupers, which are now being sold with traceability tags. Since 2012, China has been allowing Taiwan groupers zero tariff access to its market under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the two sides. Taiwanese grouper farmers, however, have recently seen a decrease in demand and price due to competition from China's fish farmers.