RCEP boosts China's wasabi export

Wasabi exporters in southwest China's Yunnan Province, a major producer of the plant, are relishing a jump in overseas demand for their products, thanks in part to the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade deal.

One general manager of a wasabi processing company in Baoshan City, pivoted to export products such as frozen wasabi stems three years ago. He said they are expected to export 500 to 600 tons this year, compared to only dozens a year ago.

To win more clients, another wasabi exporter in the city has been diversifying their offerings with products like wasabi paste, wasabi powder and pickled wasabi. The RCEP agreement, now in effect for all 15 members, is a main growth driver of wasabi export, exporters said.

Under the deal, exporters can enjoy tariff reductions while doing business with trade partners in countries like Japan. According to a local customs official, in the first five months of this year, Yunnan Province exported a total of 790 tons worth of wasabi and related products, up 45 percent year on year.