China expects electrifying growth in its eel exports

JAPAN'S rising rents and labour costs are forcing eel cultivators and roasters to relocate in China, says Guangnan (Holdings).

Japan consumes 120,000 tonnes of eels every year, more than any other country.

A third were cultivated in Japan and the rest were imported.

About 35,000 tonnes came from China and another 30,000 tonnes from Taiwan.

Guangnan chairman Sun Guan said China would eventually become the biggest eel producer in the world.

'Manpower and land costs in both Japan and Taiwan are going higher and higher,' he said.