Seafood Tariffs Highlight the Need for Domestic Aquaculture
The Trump administration’s latest tariffs have the potential to create challenges for the U.S. seafood industry—affecting supply chains, pricing, and consumer access—but also make the case for a stronger domestic seafood industry, especially through aquaculture.
In an environment where tariff policies may result in higher costs for American families and businesses, there is an even greater opportunity for aquaculture to improve American access to seafood—and help strengthen the domestic seafood industry. As tariffs have the potential to reshape the seafood economy, now is the time to support and expand sustainable U.S. aquaculture growth—protecting both American consumers and businesses from ongoing trade instability.
How do tariffs affect the seafood industry? Last week, President Trump said he plans to move forward with tariffs on Canada and Mexico on March 4. The administration has also planned an additional tariff on Chinese imports and reciprocal tariffs that could affect imports from many other countries.
Today, the U.S. depends heavily on seafood from other countries—importing about 85% of our seafood. This dependence on imports has created a $17 billion seafood trade deficit.
Sylvain Charlebois, professor and senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab, recently told FOX News that seafood prices will noticeably rise, particularly in coastal regions where Canadian seafood is common. “Stores may be forced to seek alternative sources, which could result in either higher prices for consumers, or they may cut back on inventory,” she said.
How can aquaculture help? The case for expanding aquaculture in U.S. federal waters has always been in part about building a stronger domestic seafood industry—reducing reliance on imports, strengthening U.S. food security, creating impactful jobs and stabilizing prices. Importantly, increasing domestic seafood production through aquaculture would also spur investment in portside infrastructure and help support American businesses.
Unfortunately, regulatory barriers are hindering the expansion of aquaculture in U.S. federal waters. Duplicative and costly environmental reviews by multiple federal agencies and lack of a clear or timely permitting process has made it nearly impossible for fish farmers to clear the regulatory hurdles to farm in U.S. federal waters. Many have attempted to navigate the regulatory process, but not a single commercial-scale fish farm has made it through to operation.
What can Congress do? Congress holds the key to unlocking the full potential of American aquaculture. By passing legislation to support sustainable aquaculture in U.S. federal waters, Congress will position the nation to once again be a world leader in seafood production — strengthening our economy, ensuring a more secure seafood supply chain, and helping put more affordable, American-raised seafood on America’s dinner tables.
With a clear, predictable, and timely regulatory framework, and prioritizing aquaculture in our seafood strategy, we can build a thriving domestic industry and protect consumers and businesses from the impacts of tariffs.