The Expert Consultation on International Fish Trade was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3 to 5 December 2003, to analyse the factors influencing fish trade and their impact on the future development of trade. Special emphasis was given to a possible impact in developing countries with the aim to give guidance to the future work of the FAO Fisheries Department, particularly the Fish Utilization and Marketing Service. Fourteen experts from 12 countries, invited in their individual capacity, attended the meeting. They analysed the impact of the resource situation and its sustainability on fish trade, and discussed globalization in the fisheries sector, taking into account the vertical concentration in the distribution channels and the resulting market power of retailers and supermarket companies. The consultation covered the distribution of cost and benefits in the food chain, the importance of value addition and quality cost for developing countries. The experts concluded by drafting 19 recommendations for FAO action.
