US-India Trade Deal Cuts Tariff to 18%, Signaling Boost for India's Shrimp Exports

The United States and India have reached a significant trade deal, confirmed by US President Donald Trump in a social media announcement on Monday. The agreement will reduce India’s reciprocal tariff on seafood imports to 18%, down from 25% previously imposed in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

White House officials have confirmed to multiple media outlets that the additional 25% tariff on imports of Russian oil into India will be removed. This represents a substantial adjustment from...

FDA’s 2026 Human Foods Program to Advance Food Safety, Nutrition, and Seafood Import Oversight

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has outlined its Human Foods Program (HFP) priority deliverables for 2026, emphasizing a robust agenda to enhance food safety, modernize regulatory frameworks, and promote better nutrition across the nation's food supply. This comprehensive plan addresses critical areas for agri-food producers, processors, and importers, with a sharper focus on seafood, chemicals, nutrition, and enforcement modernization.

Given the high volume of imported seafood demanded by US consumers, the FDA is prioritizing seafood safety as a key component of its 2026...

NPFMC Addresses Bering Sea Chum Salmon Bycatch in Groundfish Fisheries This Week

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be discussed by members of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) this week. The DEIS addresses four alternatives to manage chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. 

The alternatives start with “no action,” which would keep management of chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea at the status quo.

Alternative 2 provides an overall chum salmon cap that would function as a hard cap for each pollock B season. If the overall cap is met, pollock fishing must... 

Gold Star Distribution Recalls Thousands of Products, Including Canned Fish and More Seafood

Thousands of products from Gold Star Distribution have been recalled due to the presence of rodent and avian contamination. The recall, initially made public in December 2025, has garnered added attention as many staple food brands like Cheerios, Pringles and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are included in the lengthy recall.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that a Gold Star facility in Minneapolis was operating under insanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine...

Milwaukee's St. Paul Fish Co. Pays $56K to Settle FLSA Tip-Pooling Violations

St. Paul Seafood, LLC, operating as St. Paul Fish Company at Milwaukee Public Market, has entered into a consent judgment resolving Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) claims brought by the US Department of Labor. The Eastern District of Wisconsin court approved a $56,000 settlement that covers unpaid tips and liquidated damages owed to current and former employees for the period from June 19, 2021, through June 18, 2023.

The judgment stipulates key operational changes, including a permanent injunction prohibiting managers and supervisors from receiving tips...

Wild Alaska Sole Association Pitches Fit With New US Dietary Guidelines

The Wild Alaska Sole Association said its product, often labeled as Wild Alaska Flounder, fits perfectly with the US’ updated 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines recently unveiled by the Trump administration.

"While food trends are always changing, the research is consistent that fresh, wild seafood provides critical nutrients like omega-3s that are hard to replace with other foods," said Pat Shanahan, executive director of the Wild Alaska Sole Association.

"Wild Alaska Sole is especially approachable. It's mild-tasting, easy to cook, and naturally lean, while providing essential omega-3...

Angry Crab Shack's Mardi Gras Festival Brings Big Easy Spirit and Big Giving to Downtown Chandler

Angry Crab Shack, a leading full-service restaurant renowned for its bold Asian-Cajun seafood boils, is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the Southwest with its inaugural Mardi Gras Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Downtown Chandler, Arizona, featuring a full-day celebration of food, music and community impact. The festival will spotlight pet adoption opportunities and charitable giving, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving the physical...

ANALYSIS: Official US Shrimp Imports Reveal Product Mix Shift

US Shrimp import data was released on Thursday. Expana’s forecasts largely fell within model error bands; shell‑on volumes were the notable outlier, consistent with the trends previously flagged:

- shell-on below or on the low range

- peeled above, or on the high range; this time, peeled was well within the range.

- cooked and breaded within the range.

The above by‑type outcomes explain why the total came in below some headline expectations. The “by type” breakdown remains essential to understanding market dynamics...

ANALYSIS: Pacific Halibut Hit Record Highs While Atlantic Maintains Seasonal Flow 

The 2026 Pacific halibut season quota has been set at 29.33 million pounds coastwide, marking the lowest total allowable catch in the more than 100 year history of the fishery. U.S. allocations are largely unchanged from 2025, while British Columbia’s quota was reduced by roughly 7 percent as ongoing stock concerns persist. Under the International Pacific Halibut Commission framework, the season is scheduled to run from March 26 through December 7, 2026, continuing the emphasis on conservation and a tightly constrained harvest profile...

Stone Crab and Lobster Price-Fixing Case: Florida Exec Avoids Prison

Dennis Dopico, the Florida seafood executive who pleaded guilty to price‑fixing stone crab claws and spiny lobster, avoided jail and was sentenced to five years of probation for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. Dopico also has a restitution hearing scheduled for April 3, 2026.

Dopico was first indicted by the US Department of Justice in September 2025 for conspiring with competitors to fix seafood prices, as Expana previously reported.

The DOJ alleged that Dopico “knowingly joined and participated in a conspiracy with other persons and entities...

McDonald's Embraces Opulence with the Exclusive McNugget Caviar Kit

TikTok has been instrumental in driving food trends that have captivated social media and permeated everyday culinary experiences. A few years ago, videos emerged showcasing a luxe reinvention of the McDonald's Chicken Nugget, pairing the crispy, tender favorite with the salty, savory decadence of caviar. The intriguing combination has resonated with audiences worldwide, and McDonald's has embraced the trend.

In a bold move, the fast-food giant announces its first-ever McNugget Caviar Kits, featuring Paramount's Baerii caviar, available exclusively on February 10 at McNuggetCaviar.com, not in any McDonald's restaurants.

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Exports Increased 41% in Volume, 22% in Value 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, seafood exports in 2025 (fish and shellfish preparations, fish meal) increased 41% year-on-year in volume to 586,308 tons, and increased 22% in value to 353.719 billion yen ($2.312 billion). This marks the first volume increase since 2021 and the first value increase since 2022. Strong demand, a continued weak yen, and rising prices for farmed fish such as yellowtail and scallops are likely to have driven the value to a record high, according to the Minato Shimbun...

Maruha Nichiro to Raise Home-Use Surimi Prices 2–7% Starting April 1, 2026

Maruha Nichiro, one of the largest seafood companies in the world, announced it will revise shipping prices for its home-use surimi products effective April 1, 2026.

The company said it is facing “severe challenges” due to rising costs across raw materials, labor, fuel, packaging, and logistics. The depreciation of the yen is also a factor.

The price changes will affect the company's surimi products for home consumption, including fish sausage, fish cakes, and other fish paste products. Prices are expected to rise by 2-7%...

Ocean Prime Marks 20 Years with Expansion Plans, New Loyalty Program and Culinary Innovation

Ocean Prime, the fine-dining brand from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and unveiling ambitious growth plans to extend its footprint across the US and beyond.

Founded in 2006 in Columbus, Ohio, Ocean Prime has grown into a top-tier dining destination known for elevated hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and memorable guest experiences. Despite economic headwinds, the brand continues to thrive, led by a commitment to culinary innovation and a strong associate-first culture...

P.F. Chang's Welcomes its New CMO, Holly Smith 

P.F. Chang's is welcoming its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Holly Smith, who will drive the brand and the company's market presence.

"I'm thrilled to join P.F. Chang's at such an exciting time in its evolution," said Smith. "This brand holds a special place in the hearts of diners around the world, and I look forward to partnering with the incredibly talented teams to deepen those connections and drive meaningful, long-term growth."

Smith will lead the development and execution of P.F. Chang's marketing strategy, leveraging both creative...

Federal Court Dismisses Mowi Appeal, Upholds Discovery Islands Salmon Farming Ban

Canada's Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed Mowi Canada West's appeal of a 2024 ruling that effectively bans salmon farming in the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia.

The decision upholds a June 2024 federal court ruling that affirmed the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans’ authority to deny aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands on conservation grounds. Environmental groups and wild salmon advocates hailed the outcome as a major victory.

“This is another tremendous victory for wild salmon," said...

Hilton Foods Cautious on 2026 as Greek Smoked Salmon Export Ban to US Drags On

Hilton Food Group expects its 2025 adjusted profit before tax to land between £72–75 million, in line with earlier guidance, but has warned that ongoing restrictions on smoked salmon exports from its Foppen facility in Greece to the US will persist into at least the first half of 2026, alongside ongoing protein inflation pressures.

In a Jan. 29 trading update, the UK-based multi-protein supplier said net bank debt is set to finish 2025 at roughly £135 million, reflecting recent divestments...