The sampling and bidding process of exported laver are under strict supervision of Rudong customs. [Photo/rdxmt.com]

The first online edible red algae (Porphyra yezoensis) trade fair held after the recent Spring Festival took place on Feb 26 in the Tianyi laver, or seaweed market in Rudong county – administered by the prefecture-level city of Nantong – in East China's Jiangsu province.

Buyers from more than 20 countries purchased edible red algae online via video links, with total sales worth 49.69 million yuan ($7.63 million).

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we started laver trading via the internet this year," one buyer said, adding that the new arrangement was very convenient for the smooth trading of the laver, or seaweed.

Located on the coast of the Yellow Sea,he I中间商，通过远程le red  Rudong has unique conditions for producing edible red algae. With its high yield and quality, Rudong's edible red algae stands out from other Chinese laver and has received a national geographical indication. A geographical indication, or GI, is a sign used on products – in an international system sanctioned by the WTO – that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin, like champagne in France.

As an important production, processing and export base for edible red algae, Rudong has 106 export laver production businesses, five export filing bases and a 66.7-square-kilometer breeding area. It has formed a complete and mature industrial chain with an annual output value of 2 billion yuan.

In view of the fact that most of the enterprises engaged in laver processing are micro and small-sized and are operating at relatively low technical levels, Rudong customs – under the jurisdiction of Nanjing Customs District of China – contacted the Jiangsu Provincial Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute and the Jiangsu Laver Industry Association.

It established an expert group to provide guidance and help for the businesses, to improve the standard of their management.

"Influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, some enterprises have shut down and many foreign customers cannot come to China to purchase laver. The pressure on foreign trade is enormous," said Cai Shouqing, head of the Rudong Laver Association.

"On learning about the situation, Rudong customs immediately gave us advice in order to help improve production protection measures during the epidemic period and solved our marketing problems," Cai added.