UK-India Trade Deal Opens Door for Scottish Salmon Exports

The UK government and India have reached a trade agreement that will help reduce trade barriers between the two countries.

"The deal gives British exporters an edge over international competitors, and I would encourage all businesses to ensure they are properly prepared," British Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said in a statement, according to a Reuters article.

The agreement is particularly significant for Scottish salmon, which faces a 33% tariff when exported to India. Under the deal, that tariff will be removed, opening up new opportunities in...

House Committee Advances Trade Crime Legislation as Trump Signs Customs Enforcement Order

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan "Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes (PAIL) Act" (H.R. 1869) last week by a 23-0 vote, while President Trump signed an Executive Order strengthening US customs law enforcement on the same day.

The PAIL Act, introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) with 42 co-sponsors, would establish a Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes. The task force would increase investigations of trade fraud while providing advanced training to Homeland...

USTR Proposes 25% Tariff on Brazil, Sparking Seafood Industry Concerns

The US Trade Representative (USTR) proposed a 25% tariff on Brazil, citing a Section 301 investigation that found unfair trade practices have burdened US businesses.

"Over the past year, President Trump and I have had several constructive meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his cabinet, which have accelerated in recent weeks," said Ambassador Jamieson Greer. "However, we continue to have substantial differences in resolving the issues identified in this investigation."

The announcement sparked immediate concern from Brazil's Peixe BR, the Brazilian Association of Fish Farming...

US Seafood Groups Demand Section 301 Investigation Into Unfair Trade Practices

Twenty-three American seafood organizations have formally asked US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to launch a comprehensive Section 301 investigation into unfair seafood trade practices, escalating industry pressure for trade enforcement against imports they say are decimating domestic producers.

The May 19 letter, signed by groups ranging from the Southern Shrimp Alliance to the Hawaii Longline Association, asks USTR to address a sweeping range of alleged violations, including dumping, subsidies, environmental harm, banned veterinary drugs, false labeling, prohibited fishing gear, structural excess capacity, and labor abuse...

NFI Urges USTR to Exempt Seafood from Section 301 Tariffs in Excess Capacity Investigation

The National Fisheries Institute pushed back against proposed tariffs during testimony before the US Trade Representative on May 5, arguing seafood should be excluded from the administration's Section 301 investigation into excess capacity.

NFI Executive Vice President Bob DeHaan told USTR that imposing "significant and perhaps prohibitive tariffs" on seafood would undermine the Agriculture Department's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend increased seafood consumption. He warned the tariffs would price "value seafood products" out of reach for American families and stoke consumer inflation...

For 2026 Norway is Turning its Marketing Focus Away From the US to China. Here’s Why.

At their annual meeting last January, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced a shift in their marketing focus away from the United States and towards China, supported by a new Trends Report.  

The next few months' export data illustrated the new policy. NSC released their report, “The Year of China” recently with detailed demographics and trends that support the new policy. 

The report notes that China’s four tier-one cities — Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen — each with populations in excess of 18 million people...

Brazil Pivots Tilapia Strategy to Latin America Amid US Market Concentration Risks

Brazil's tilapia sector is accelerating its push into Latin American markets as a strategic response to overwhelming dependence on US exports, which currently account for 92% of shipments despite the industry achieving record 1 million ton production in 2025.

The diversification drive comes as Brazilian producers grapple with trade uncertainties following last year's tariff impacts that caused a 28% export decline, highlighting the risks of single-market concentration, according to PEIXE BR president Francisco Medeiros.

"We are entering the golden years of national tilapia farming...

High Liner Slashes 9% of North American Office Staff Amid Tariff, Input Cost Pressures

High Liner Foods laid off roughly 9% of its North American office workforce in a move to "further align its cost structure with current market conditions," the company announced on March 31.

The value-added frozen seafood company said the 35 departures are part of a broader set of moves, including margin management, cost reduction, and supply chain efficiency efforts. The moves are aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation, tariffs and higher input costs and at improving its value proposition to customers and consumers...

ANALYSIS: Salmon and Pollock Dominate EU‑US Seafood Flows as Trade Balance Shifts

At a time when US tariff policy reflects both commercial and geopolitical considerations of its partners, and given the temporary halt to the US‑EU trade agreement reached last summer, it is especially relevant to review the seafood trade relationship between the United States and the European Union...

Japan-UAE Trade Pact to Eliminate Japanese Seafood Tariffs

On March 5, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Within 10 years of the agreement's entry into force, Japan will raise its duty-free import rate from 98.7% to 99.9%, while the UAE will raise it from 11.5% to 96.4%. In addition to eliminating tariffs on seafood exports from Japan, Japan will also eliminate tariffs on shrimp imports from the UAE, reported Minato Shimbun...

ACT Capital: US Seafood Revenue Rose on Pricing, Tariffs Reshaped Supply and M&A Stayed Active in 25

ACT Capital Advisors on Feb. 26 released its 2025 Seafood Industry Report, finding that US seafood market growth last year was driven largely by higher prices and premium product mixes rather than volume gains, and that trade policy and consolidation were the sector’s defining themes.

The Seattle investment bank said ready‑to‑eat and shelf‑stable formats captured incremental share and margin as consumers — especially younger buyers — shifted toward convenient, higher‑quality seafood for at‑home and on‑the‑go meals...

PEIXE BR: Brazil Reaches 1M Ton Aquaculture Milestone Despite Tariff-Driven Export Headwinds

PEIXE BR, the Brazilian Association of Fish Farming, announced that Brazil's fish farming industry grew 58.6% in 2025, reaching a landmark 1 million tons of production. During that time, tilapia saw a notable 148.2% increase in production, cementing its top spot in the country.

The results stem from the 10th edition of the Brazilian Aquaculture Yearbook 2026, which was released on February 24.

“The results presented in this 10th edition demonstrate the strength and maturity of Brazilian fish farming...

High Liner’s Sales Rise in Q4, Margins Narrow as US Seafood Tariffs Bite

High Liner Foods reported higher sales and slightly stronger volumes in the fourth quarter of 2025 but said margin pressure from US seafood tariffs, raw‑material costs and promotional activity weighed on profitability. The frozen‑seafood specialist said it expects margin improvement to return through operational initiatives, and that adjusted EBITDA growth should resume starting in Q1 2026.

"We delivered sales and volume growth in the fourth quarter and made progress across our business towards improved profitability in what remains a challenging environment...

India's Apex Frozen Foods Sees Recovery as US Tariff Cuts Fuel Export Optimism

Apex Frozen Foods, one of the largest shrimp exporters in India, signaled growing optimism for its shrimp export business following recent reductions in US tariffs, alongside continued growth in European markets and operational adjustments to diversify revenue streams.

In its Q3 2026 earnings call on February 16, the company reported a 15% year-on-year rise in quarterly revenues to INR 264 crore ($32 million), driven primarily by stronger shrimp sales to the European Union and improved price realizations...

Ecuador Pushes US Negotiations Amid Potential Shrimp Shift Back to India After Tariff Cut

Following the recent India-US trade agreement lowering shrimp tariffs, Jose Antonio Camposano, head of Ecuador's National Aquaculture Chamber, urged renewed trade negotiations with the US to safeguard the country's position in its top shrimp export market.

“This is crucial for shrimp, which accounts for 30% of our non-oil exports to that market. Taking full advantage of all negotiation opportunities is key to consolidating and expanding the space gained in that strategic destination,” Camposano wrote on social media platform X on February 2...

US Market Challenges Push Norwegian Salmon Fillet Exports Down 37%, Poland and China Surge

Norwegian seafood exports fell 3% in value at the start of 2026 compared to January last year, as the US market faced “unpredictable tariffs,” a weaker dollar, and rising competition, the Norwegian Seafood Council reports. CEO Christian Chramer pointed to lower salmon prices, reduced quotas for several wild species, and challenging market access as key factors behind the decline.

At this point last year, the US was the largest single market for Norwegian seafood. Today, the value of exports destined for the US has declined...

Winding Glass: Section 301 Tariffs Set to Permanently Twist Seafood Trade

The recent headline that section 301 seafood tariffs will reach $2.9 billion does not tell the industry story. The headline number is the result of an 11.4% blended tariff calculation applied to the value of goods shipped by 60 targeted countries to the US in 2025. That is one result of the Section 301 forced-labor duties proposed by the US Trade Representative on June 2. It is more than the roughly $2.2 billion importers paid last year, most of it under the IEEPA tariffs the Supreme...

ANFACO-CYTMA Raises Concerns Over Canned Tuna Liberalization in EU-Mexico Trade Deal

ANFACO-CYTMA is seeking clarification from European policymakers after canned tuna was included in the scope of full tariff liberalization under the newly modernized EU-Mexico trade agreement.

The agreement, signed on May 22, would remove tariffs on canned tuna after a seven-year transition period, subject to approval by the European Parliament and ratification by EU member states. The move has drawn concern from the seafood industry association, which argues that canned tuna has traditionally been considered a sensitive product within...

Strong Kroner, Middle East War, US Tariffs Hit Norway's Seafood Exports in April

Norwegian seafood exports declined in April as a strong kroner, US tariffs, and the Middle East conflict all weighed on performance, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council's latest export update.

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.4 billion ($1.4 billion) in April, down NOK 742 million (5%) compared with April 2025. The decline stems mainly from the significant strengthening of the Norwegian krone, the council said in its May 6 update.

Norwegian Seafood Council CEO Christian Chramer said the Middle East war is having...

India's Seafood Exports Hit Record as Shrimp Drives Growth Amid US Market Decline

India's seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore ($ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025-26, with volumes hitting 19.32 lakh metric tons, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) on April 21.

Frozen shrimp remained the cornerstone of India's marine exports, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore ($ 5.51 billion) and accounting for over two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp shipments grew 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value, reinforcing India's position as a global shrimp supplier...

Champagne China Visit Accelerates Trade Momentum with Canada's Seafood Sector in Prime Position

Canadian seafood exports to China are poised for continued growth following Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's productive visit to Beijing, building on tariff relief secured earlier this year that has already benefited lobster and crab shipments.

Champagne concluded his China visit on April 3, emphasizing the importance of diversifying trade partnerships with Canada's second-largest trading partner. The trip builds on Prime Minister Mark Carney's January visit, which the government called "a turning point" in bilateral relations and secured significant tariff reductions for Canadian seafood exporters...

BSF Links Lenten Seafood Price Increases to Import Challenges

According to BSF (formerly Beaver Street Fisheries), in an interview with News4JAX, tariffs, shipping delays, and supply chain disruptions have led to higher-than-usual prices for frozen seafood in the southeastern United States.

BSF said current consumer prices for staples like cod and shrimp reflect global market conditions amid the spike in demand for Lent. 

The interview was framed around consumers noticing rising seafood prices amid the Lenten season in the southeastern US.

During the interview, Mark Frisch, the company's owner...

Gulf Conflict, Tariff Deals and Quota Cuts Tighten Global Seafood Markets

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a report, supported by research and analysis, on markets and trade in global fisheries and aquaculture products.

It notes that the year began on a positive note: easing inflation and steady aquaculture supply and demand; however, conflict in the Gulf could derail that optimism.

Current estimates show global production increased by 1.7% in 2025, while trade rose by 2.1% in volume and 5% in value, year-on-year (YOY).

Three notable developments affecting global trade occurred in February 2026

Importers Face Long Wait for Tariff Refunds

Importers across industries, expecting refunds of roughly $166 billion collected under now-invalidated emergency tariffs instituted by Trump, face a prolonged and uncertain wait. That is according to a government filing that estimated more than 4.4 million hours of manual processing to handle the claims.

After the Supreme Court struck down the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs last month, UW Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the Court of International Trade that refunding duties from more than 53 million import entries, of which 20.1 million remain unliquidated, presents an unprecedented logistical...

US-Spain Seafood Trade Faces Uncertainty as Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Military Base Dispute

The key seafood trade between Spain and the United States is under potential threat as US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over the country's refusal to allow US military use of its bases for strikes on Iran.

For the seafood sector, such a move would have significant consequences. According to US Customs data compiled on Expana's Foreign Trade Data platform, Spain exported roughly 65.6 million pounds of seafood to the US in 2025, valued at over $300 million...

China Confirms 25% Tariff Removal on Canadian Lobster, Crab Effective March 1

China’s Finance Ministry confirmed on Friday that its 25% tariff on lobster and crab imports from Canada will be lifted on March 1 through the end of 2026.

The initial trade agreement between China and Canada was announced in mid-January, with an implementation target of March 1. The deal included the elimination of tariffs on snow crab and lobster, as well as on other agricultural products such as Canadian canola meal and peas.

After the deal was first announced, Geoff Irvine, the Executive Director...

The Winding Glass: Tariff Uncertainty Returns; More Damaging than Actual Tariffs

Right now, in the first week of Lent, shrimp is on sale at Walmart. Kroger is running surf-and-turf promotions. Long John Silver's brought back its $6 Shrimp Basket. White Castle has Buttermilk Shrimp Nibblers. Del Taco is pushing Jumbo Shrimp Tacos. The seafood aisle looks, briefly, like things are fine. 

They are not fine. After a 9-month period of adjusting to tariffs, the seafood industry was finding pockets of stability, allowing for normal contracting and promotion activities. These promotions were all locked in months ago an...

US Trade Policy Shifts After IEEPA Loss; Seafood, Rice Targeted in Section 301 Investigations

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Supreme Court’s ruling against President Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) affects only “one element” of the administration’s trade strategy.

Greer added that the administration remains committed to implementing Trump’s trade policy, noting it was one of his core campaign messages. The administration has warned for months that if courts struck down Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, he would use “alternative tools.”

One of those tools will be to launch...

Trump Order, US‑India Statement Lock in 18% Tariff on Indian Shrimp Imports

Further details of President Trump's announcement of a US-India trade deal were revealed through a February 7 Executive Order and a joint statement confirming the removal of the 25% ad valorem tariff on India‑origin goods and an Indian reciprocal tariff of 18%.

In the EO, US President Donald Trump confirmed that, effective February 7, 2026, products imported from India will no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem tariff, which was imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil...

Captain Fresh to Restart Indian Supply Chains as US-India Trade Deal Lowers Shrimp Tariff

The CEO of the India-based seafood giant Captain Fresh said the company would shift most of its sourcing back to India following its recent trade deal with the United States, according to an interview with The Times of India.

Captain Fresh founder and CEO Utham Gowda told the publication that the company has already agreed with its Indian suppliers to resume manufacturing as soon as possible. Gowda added that before the massive 50% tariff on India, the company sourced two-thirds of its products...