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...

US-Ecuador Reciprocal Trade Agreement Nears Signing; Tariff Relief Could Cover About Half of Exports

Ecuador and the United States are nearing a Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) that would exempt roughly half of Ecuador's exports from tariffs, according to statements by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa last week.

In a radio interview, Noboa said a deal would be signed “in a few days” that would remove additional tariffs on 50% of Ecuador’s exports.

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced last week that it wrapped ART negotiations with an Ecuadorian delegation on February 13, with a deal expected...

US Department of Commerce Issues Final Antidumping Duty Results for Thai and Vietnamese Shrimp

In recent days, the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) released the final results of its 19th administrative reviews of antidumping duty orders on frozen warmwater shrimp imported from Thailand and Vietnam. The review period covered imports from February 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024, according to Federal Register notices issued on February 20 and 23.

These dumping margins determine the final antidumping duties owed on shipments during the period of review and establish cash deposit rates that will apply to...

Cargill Intends to Sell Louisiana Aqua Feed Plant to Bowers-Saha Nutrition

Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health plans to sell its Franklinton, Louisiana aqua feed plant to Bowers-Saha Nutrition, a long-term partner and customer.

The Texas Gulf Coast-based, family-owned seafood producer, and a leading US farm-raised supplier of hybrid striped bass, red drum, and Pacific white shrimp, will keep the facility running with the same management team and Cargill’s rations, Cargill said.

“We know how important consistency, reliability, and performance are to our customers,” said Reed Bowers, CEO of Bowers-Saha. 

Vietnam Tops China's Lobster Imports as Tariffs Shift Market Share

Vietnam has seen strong growth in lobster exports to China, with the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) attributing the surge to increased demand from higher-income shoppers.

According to a February 21 VASEP update, China’s lobster imports reached 69,774 metric tons (MT) in 2025, up nearly 9,000 MT from the previous year and marking the highest volume in five years, based on Chinese Customs data.

This growth propelled Vietnam to become China’s top lobster supplier, surpassing Canada, which faced a 25% tariff that contributed to a 15%...

Subtle Change in Leadership at Maruha Nichiro as Umios Rebrand Looms

It’s been nearly a year since Maruha Nichiro Corporation announced a new name and corporate brand to the nearly 150-year old fishing, aquaculture and processing company, and today announced two promotions at the top of the corporation.  

Daisuke Yasuda, who currently serves as Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, has been appointed as the new Representative Director, President (COO), while Masaru Ikemi will assume the role of Representative Director, Chairman (CEO)...

Thai Union Feedmill Signs MOU With Bangladeshi Partners to Transfer Aquaculture Tech, Boost Exports

Thai Union Feedmill Public Company Limited (TFM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladeshi partners to transfer Thai aquaculture technologies and standards to Bangladesh, the company said Feb. 10.

The collaboration, announced at a signing ceremony in Bangkok, will focus on upgrading production and market access for high‑value species, including whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, giant freshwater prawn and barramundi. TFM said the agreement covers technology transfer, knowledge sharing, innovation and the adoption of Thailand’s aquaculture standards to help Bangladeshi producers meet global benchmarks...

ICFA Highlights Fisheries Management Priorities as COFI Meeting Opens in Iceland

The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) welcomes the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Fisheries Management Sub-Committee meeting taking place in Reykjavik, Iceland, February 23–27, 2026, and underscores the importance of continued global action to strengthen fisheries management and support sustainable seafood production

ICFA calls on Member States to work toward bringing all fisheries under effective management, strengthen regional cooperation, and expand technical and capacity support for fisheries operating in data-poor and capacity-limited contexts. ICFA also highlights the need for evidence-based discussions...

Salmon Farming Innovation Drive Nears £200 Million

Innovation in Scotland’s salmon farming sector has surged to almost £200 million, an independent review has found.

In total, 268 publicly supported projects worth more than £183 million have been delivered since 2018 by salmon producers, supply chain businesses, universities, and public funders working in partnership.

The figure excludes projects funded entirely by companies, meaning overall spending on new technology is likely to be significantly higher.

The review, conducted by research consultancy Frontline and commissioned by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and trade body...

The SCOTUS Decision Is In: IEEPA Tariffs Are Out

On February 20, the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) judges released their decision about the legality of US President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on US trading partners across the globe. 

“IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The judgment... is vacated, and the case is remanded with instructions to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction,” read the latest Opinion of the Court for Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. 

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion and the court agreed 6-3 that the tariffs exceeded the law...

New Atlas Identifies Potential Opportunities for Aquaculture in the Gulf of Alaska

Last week, NOAA published the Atlas for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs), identifying 77 locations that have potential for shellfish and seaweed aquaculture operations in the Gulf of Alaska.  

This atlas is the third released in recent months. The other two are focused on the Gulf of America (previously known as the Gulf of Mexico) and off the state of California.  

Identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas fulfills President Trump’s 2020 Executive Order “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth” and supports the 2025 Executive Order “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness...

Industry Responds to US Supreme Court Decision Overturning Trump’s Emergency Tariffs

The US Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs prompted swift reaction from businesses and trade associations across multiple sectors. The ruling removes a key pillar of the administration’s trade policy and could trigger a complex process to unwind the levies and issue refunds.

Here’s the response from industry groups:

David French, Executive Vice President of Government Relations, The National Retail Federation:

“The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for US businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to...

Japan: Russian Atka Mackerel Price Holding Steady, Price Increase in Prospect

According to Minato Shimbun, the domestic sales price for frozen dressed Russian Atka Mackerel (540-640 grams) is 620 yen/kg ($4.05/kg) as of early February, unchanged from September of last year. While rising prices for competing fish species are likely to lead to an increase in demand and price hikes in the future, "it's highly likely that prices won't start to move significantly until summer," according to a trading company source.

This year, there has been a global trend...

Tunga/Skretting Launches Aqua Feed Production Facility in Nairobi

Tunga/Skretting has launched its newly commissioned aqua feed production facility in Nairobi, Kenya.

The new plant increases the company's fish feed production capacity from 24,000 Mt to 45,000 Mt.

The facility will serve Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring markets, contributing to food security and boosting farmer profitability across the region, the company said on social media.

Norwegian Seafood Council Unveils Insights On Protein Consumption in Italy

A recent report by the Norwegian Seafood Council unveils key insights into protein consumption in Italy, with a special focus on increasing the appeal of salmon, stockfish, saltfish, and clipfish. Italy represents a crucial market for Norwegian seafood, particularly for salmon, which commands over a 90% market share, and stockfish with a full 100% share. The market share for saltfish and clipfish varies significantly, fluctuating between 13% and 85% based on the specific product type.

Country Director Tom-Jørgen Gangsø, based...

Steven Chaur Appointed as New CEO of Murray Cod Australia

Today, Murray Cod Australia Limited (MCA) announced the appointment of Steven Chaur as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), starting Monday, April 20, 2026. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director for MCA, Mr. Chaur will transition to an Executive Director upon assuming his new role.

To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Mat Ryan, Executive Director of Production and Development, and Mr. Roger Commins, Non-Executive Director, will serve as Interim Joint Chief Executive Officers until Mr. Chaur takes over.

Lent 2026: Restaurants Push Shrimp and Fish Sandwiches as Retailers Ramp Up Seafood Features

With the Lenten season underway, seafood has taken center stage across foodservice. Restaurants and quick-service operators are promoting fish sandwiches, shrimp items and more as millions of Americans abstain from meat on Fridays over the coming weeks.

Expana’s Courtney Shum covered the retail sector’s shift to Lent, with grocers leaning into features and promotional pricing to drive traffic. Seafood feature volume is building momentum, projected to account for nearly 37% of total protein ads next week. This week, seafood claimed the top spot at 34%...

GAPP Seeks Market Research Proposals for Surimi Market Assessment in India

The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), who for years have been looking at India as a possible market for Alaska pollock surimi,  took an important step today by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to study the potential market for Wild Alaska Pollock surimi in the sub-continent.   

The research, which is funded in part by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Emerging Markets Program and partly by industry funds, will identify both barriers and opportunities for the consumption of surimi seafood made from Alaska pollock...

Salmon Evolution Scaling Up to a 2.8 Million Smolt Release in 2026 at Indre Harøy

Salmon Evolution’s Q4 financial results reflect revenues of 98.7 NOKm ($10.3 million) and a group EBITDA of -8.4 NOKm (-$878,226), following harvest of 1,203 tonnes HOG. Net of ramp-up costs in relation to phase 2, farming operations were breakeven in the quarter. 

High supply growth costs in late 2025 continued to pressure market prices. 

“While the quarter was affected by pressure on market prices, the underlying financial development was in line with our expectations,” said Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen, CEO of Salmon...

Dutch Seafood Trader Dayseaday Expands into Pet Food Market with PetsFish Partnership

Dutch seafood trader Dayseaday acquired a 50% stake in PetsFish B.V., a pet food producer also based in the Netherlands.

Dayseaday announced in its February 19 LinkedIn post that PetsFish will officially fall under the Dayseaday Group umbrella.

The company said PetsFish has spent recent years building up a foundation and “standing out with a clear concept, quality products, and a loyal customer base...

Lerøy Seafood Group Closes 2025 with Robust Q4 Performance and Optimistic 2026 Outlook

In a promising end to 2025, Lerøy Seafood Group reported a strong fourth quarter marked by solid operations and impressive biological performance. With a 4% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching NOK 8832 million, the company demonstrated resilience despite previously low salmon prices.

Henning Beltestad, CEO, highlighted the operational earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) totaling NOK 758 million for Q4. "The result reflects good underlying operations across the Group...although the year has been characterised by low salmon prices...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Imports Down 10% in Dec ’25; Models See Modest Single‑Digit Declines Into Q1

US shrimp imports for December 2025 fell roughly 10% year‑over‑year, with total volumes for all categories down about 11% versus the prior December. Through the end of 2025, cumulative imports finished about 4% ahead of the same point in 2024. Origins diverged sharply: India volumes were down 19% year‑over‑year but did post a month‑to‑month uptick; Ecuador surged 25% as demand continued to favor certain product forms; Indonesia collapsed 71% after a mid‑Oct to mid‑Nov export...

Sea Port Products Marks 45 Years, Prepares Return to Seafood Expo North America 2026

Sea Port Products Corp will return to Seafood Expo North America (SENA) in Boston this March, using the show as an opportunity to mark its 45th year in the seafood business.

The Kirkland, WA-based importer and distributor was founded in 1981 by James Dresser and his sons Bill and Don, evolving from a small brokerage into one of the country’s notable suppliers of shrimp and a variety of other seafood species. Sea Port now offers shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, finfish and other products sourced from...

Weather-Related Delays Impact Opening and Closing of Southeast Alaska’s Tanner Crab Fishery

A severe winter storm delayed the opening of the 2025/2026 Southeast Alaska commercial Tanner and golden king crab fishery for 24 hours last week, and yesterday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) delayed the closure in certain areas for tanner crab for a further twelve hours due to weather.

Sobico USA Recalls 13,464 Pounds of Siluriformes Fish Products

Sobico USA LLC is recalling approximately 13,464 pounds of frozen, raw intact Siluriformes fish products. These items were imported from Vietnam without the benefit of import reinspection in the US. The issue was discovered and reported by the importer after a review of the FSIS import requirements and establishment procedural guidance.

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Siluriformes fish, both whole/gutted and steak items, were produced on June 24, 2025. They bear the Vietnam...

Surge in Surimi Production Supports Russia’s Export Push to Asia

The Russian surimi sector is booming, with strong growth in both value and volume.

Analysts at the Russian Pollock Association forecast that production could rise another 20–25% in 2026, exceeding 100,000 MT and setting a national record. In 2025, surimi production increased 25% to 89,000 metric tons (MT), following a 47% expansion in 2024.

The surimi segment is one of the few in the Russian seafood market showing simultaneous growth in volume and value. The sector has expanded rapidly since 2020...

Bojangles Reels in the Return of the Bojangler Just in Time for Lent

Just in time for the Lenten season, Bojangles is bringing back a fan-favorite that guests look forward to all year: the Bojangler® Fish Sandwich, hitting menus on Feb. 23. Returning to menus nationwide for a limited time, the Bojangler delivers the bold, craveable flavor Bojangles is known for, perfectly timed for guests seeking a seasonal seafood option.

The original Bojangler features a crispy, panko-breaded Alaskan Pollock filet seasoned with Bo’s Famous Seasoning, topped with a slice of American cheese...

NORAD Intercepts 5 Russian Aircraft Over Bering Strait, Deployed Five Jets to Escort Them Out

The North American Aerospace Defense Command detected and tracked two Russian Tu-95s, two Su-35s and one A-50 flying through international airspace near the Bering Strait, west of Alaska, on Thursday. 

The US-Canadian command launched two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3 and four KC-135 refueling tankers to intercept the Russian aircraft and escort them out of the area...

ANALYSIS: Tariffs Squeeze Shrimp Farmgate Margins as Import Dynamics Shift

Farmgate prices overseas, particularly in India, face significant margin pressure once reciprocal tariffs are factored in. After adjusting for yield and exchange rates—and applying tariffs alone without added landed costs—the effective landed cost for Indian 30–40 count HOSO shrimp plus a 25% tariff approaches that of 21–25 count HLSO product. This aligns with current US importer bids showing Indian offers often priced above Ecuadorian equivalents.

While Ecuador’s farmgate prices remain comparatively lower, higher labor and other onshore costs, especially amid rising demand for value-added peeled...

New Aquaculture Study Says Shift From Wild Fish to Plant Feed is Less Environmentally Sustainable

In a stunning new study from the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling in Scotland, scientists have found that over Europe’s twenty-year reduction of using wild fishmeal and fish oil as an ingredient in farmed fish food, while good for the sustainability of forage fish, has had unintended consequences on the overall environmental footprint of European aquaculture. 

From 2000 to 2020, the European aquaculture industry reduced its overall use of wild‑caught fish as feed by 13%...