GSMC 2026: India Tariff Uncertainty Keeps Shrimp Buyers Nimble as Ecuador Gains Ground

At the Global Seafood Market Conference in Hollywood Beach, National Fisheries Institute’s Richard Barry moderated a shrimp panel featuring Paul Jamieson (Director of Purchasing, Bloomin’ Brands), Gabriel Luna (Founder, Glunashrimp), Dr. Robins McIntosh (EVP, Shrimp Culture Tech, Charoen Pokphand Foods), Pete Palma (EVP, Foodservice, Southwind Foods), and Guy Pizzuti (Seafood Director, Publix).

Panelists said India’s 50% tariff has sharply reduced Indian shipments to the US, while recent FDA actions focused on Indonesia have pushed buyers to diversify, most notably toward Ecuador's expanding value-added capacity...

GSMC 2026: Seafood Volumes Slip in Foodservice, But Sushi, Shrimp, and Deli Items Show Promise

Seafood volumes in US foodservice fell in 2025, with shellfish driving most of the decline, Melissa Rodriguez, VP Perimeter at Circana, told attendees at the Global Seafood Market Conference. Total seafood servings were down year‑over‑year, as a 5.9% drop in shellfish outpaced a 2.1% gain in fish. Restaurants, which account for nearly three‑quarters of total seafood pound volume, saw their volumes decline even as dollar sales increased, a sign that menu price inflation is masking the pullback in consumption...

SeaPak Rolls Out Trio of New Frozen Seafood Items Featuring Shrimp, Flounder and Scallops

SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood, a major frozen retail seafood brand, unveiled a trio of new products to kick off 2026.

The company debuted Chili Lime Shrimp, Breaded Flounder Tenders and Breaded Scallops, all expected to hit the shelves at select retailers, including Food Lion, Weis Markets, SpartanNash and BJ's Wholesale Club this month.

SeaPak said the new products meet the demands of shoppers seeking globally inspired tastes, greater variety, and high-quality seafood that is simple and quick to prepare at home...

One Year After Genetic Testing Revealed Fraud, More Local Shrimp Are Offered on Menus in Texas

The practice of describing shrimp on restaurant menus as “local” or “American, wild-caught” when in fact, the shrimp is imported and farmed has become less common as a result of genetic testing that verified the seafood’s origin. 

Initial testing in January 2025 of 44 randomly selected restaurants in Galveston, TX, found that only 41% of them accurately stated on their menus that they offered local, wild-caught shrimp. A subsequent test of half of the initial sample group on December 28-30, 2025...

CenSea Launches CenSea Reserve Premium Shrimp Line in Partnership with Minh Phu

CenSea, a leading frozen seafood importer and distributor, has unveiled CenSea Reserve, a premium shrimp sub-brand created to set a higher standard across foodservice and retail markets. The product was developed in partnership with Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, the world's largest vertically integrated shrimp producer.

“CenSea Reserve is the outcome of asking a very direct question: what does premium actually mean, and how do you make it repeatable at scale,” said Nate Torch, Co-President of CenSea. “The Reserve brand was built end to end...

2025: A Pivotal Year Reordering Global Seafood Trade and Policy

The year 2025 marked a watershed in seafood trade and policy with transformative impacts felt across international supply chains, domestic regulations, and industry competitiveness. At the center was President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariff regime, reshaping sourcing and pricing dynamics from shrimp to crab, while high-profile regulatory actions, from the FDA's radioactive shrimp recalls to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act import bans, reverberated through global markets. Domestically, the Trump administration launched bold initiatives, including an executive order to cut regulatory burdens and a strategic roundtable...

83,800 Bags of Frozen Shrimp Recalled Due to Possible Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia due to potential contamination concerns.

The affected products are sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands at grocery stores across the nation.

At Price Chopper stores, items are sold under the Market 32 brand. These are packed in 1 lb. bags, bear the UPC code 0 41735 01358 3, and have best-by dates ranging from April 22, 2027...

Two Indonesian Shrimp Shipments Pass US Cesium-137 Tests; 600 More Containers En Route

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) says two shrimp containers have successfully entered the US after passing inspection for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination, according to Indonesian outlet Antara News.

“On December 9, the first containers arrived with certificates confirming they were free of Cesium-137. Two containers have entered, passed inspections, and the results have now been released,” said Ishartini, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Products Quality Control and Supervision Agency, during a press conference last week...

ANALYSIS: Downward Pressure Persists Across US Shrimp as VA–HLSO Spread Nears Resistance

US shrimp prices remain under downward pressure across major forms. HLSO and HOSO are weakest, while peeled shows continued but smaller declines. The price spread between peeled and headless shrimp has widened toward a historical resistance level, consistent with cross‑price elasticity signals that demand is shifting toward peeled due to perceived value, though the spread could stabilize or compress if conditions normalize.

The data imply a broader pattern: downward pressure across all categories...

Taprobane Seafoods Becomes Sri Lanka’s First Company Certified Under GAP

Taprobane Seafoods has been certified by DNV under the GlobalG.A.P. Aqua standard, becoming the first company in Sri Lanka to achieve this recognition.

The certification strengthens Taprobane’s environmental management practices and aligns its feed systems with global standards. It also enhances the company’s credibility with buyers, consumers, and partners seeking ethically sourced, low-carbon seafood.

This milestone reinforces Taprobane’s leadership as a responsible aquaculture producer and positions the company to access premium export markets that require verified sustainability credentials...

American Mariculture Co-Founder Robin Pearl Arrested

Robin Pearl, co-founder of American Mariculture (AMI), was arrested in Florida on November 14 on charges of fraud, money laundering and grand theft larceny, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

According to arrest records, Pearl faces counts including fraud involving property valued at more than $50,000, money laundering involving more than $100,000, and grand theft larceny of more than $100,000. The incident comes as AMI and its affiliates, American Penaeid and Sun Shrimp Gourmet, have been at the center of a broader control dispute surrounding the company...

Argentine Red Shrimp Season Delayed After Prospecting Finds Low Abundance

Prospecting vessels from the Argentine red shrimp fleet sailed earlier this week, but the anticipated commercial opening out of Puerto Rawson has been postponed after prospecting results showed that shrimp abundance is insufficient to support an immediate start, according to local publication Revista Puerto. Chubut province, a key hub for Argentina’s inshore shrimp grounds and processing capacity, had been expected to set the season in motion for early November, but authorities and industry sources now say they will delay the zafra until assessments show adequate abundance...

Thailand to Host 25th Global Seafood Alliance Responsible Seafood Summit

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is set to host its 25th annual Responsible Seafood Summit at the prestigious Shangri-La Bangkok, a 5-star luxury hotel in Thailand, known as one of the world's leading regions for shrimp production.

Scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026, the summit marks a significant collaboration with The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS), infusing the event with the TCRS Shrimp Summit content.

Mike Kocsis, CEO of GSA, expressed enthusiasm for the strategic partnership, highlighting the unique opportunity...

VARPE, VASEP Pact Aims to Expand Russian Seafood Exports to Vietnam 

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to significantly expand joint fish trade under a memorandum signed by the Russian fish association VARPE and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) during an international forum in St. Petersburg.

The memorandum commits both sides to expand trade volumes, simplify cross-border procedures, and develop scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector. For Russia, the agreement opens greater access for Russian fishermen and processors to Vietnam’s large and growing seafood market.

Herman Zverev, head of VARPE, said Vietnam...

Indonesia, FDA Reach Deal Allowing ‘Thousands’ of Shrimp Containers to Enter US

Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) said that it reached a deal with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow thousands of shrimp containers currently in transit to enter the United States.

KKP said in a press release that the agreement was finalized on October 18 after negotiations over new import requirements tied to FDA Import Alert 99-52. The ministry said the deal permits thousands of shrimp containers already en route to the US to be admitted...

Indonesia Orders Shrimp Firms to Halt Shipments Amid FDA's New Import Certification Rules

The Indonesian government has issued a formal notice instructing shrimp packers in affected areas to halt shipments to the United States, a move prompted by multiple US detections of cesium‑137 (Cs‑137) and coming as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s new import certification requirements and Import Alert 99-52 take effect.

Market sources confirmed the notice to Expana, with suppliers from the Island of Java and Province of Lampung, on the Island of Sumatra, impacted. Sources indicated that multiple suppliers in the affected...

ANALYSIS: Bangladesh Shrimp Sector Delivers Double-Digit Export Growth

For the second consecutive year, Bangladesh has recorded double-digit growth in shrimp export values in November. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, shrimp exports reached USD 28.3 million in November, compared with USD 25.6 million one year earlier and USD 22.7 million two years ago. This represents a 24.5% increase over two years for this specific month, which traditionally marks one of the peak periods for Bangladeshi shrimp export activity...

Zaxby's Brings Back Fan Favorites for the New Year

"New year, same saucy cravings" is the catchy motto Zaxby's shared in its latest announcement featuring exciting menu innovations.

The company is reintroducing two of its most iconic creations, back by popular demand for a limited time starting January 19.

First up is Zaxby's Southern Fried Shrimp, returning with flair in three distinct styles:

• ZaxSeas Surf & Turf Meal: Combines land and sea favorites featuring the famous breading on eight Southern Fried Shrimp and three Chicken Fingerz™, served with the legendary Zax Sauce®, Texas...

US Court of International Trade Ruling Preserves Countervailing Duties on Vietnamese Shrimp

The US Court of International Trade (CIT) has upheld the Department of Commerce’s final determination imposing countervailing duties on Vietnamese shrimp. The January 8 decision keeps countervailing duty (CVD) rates at 2.84% for most Vietnamese exporters and 221.82% for one company, with importers required to continue depositing those duties alongside current antidumping tariffs.

The court rejected Soc Trang Seafood (STAPIMEX)’s challenge to Commerce’s subsidy finding and methodology, declining to overturn the agency’s judgment. The decision was successfully defended by...

Winding Glass: Trump Policies of Tariff and Weak Dollar Damaged Seafood in 2025, Likely to Continue 

Tariffs and a weak dollar created artificial seafood supply shortages in the US in 2025. The result: higher prices for consumers, reduced consumption, and a reorientation of global trade flows away from America.

Supply is the ultimate driver of seafood pricing, as any boat captain landing in New Bedford, Gloucester or Maine will tell you. On days with more boats, prices are down.

The same dynamic holds at the stock level. When a population expands or contracts, it changes the...

Pescafácil Partners with OMARSA as Lamar Group Exits After Venezuela Turmoil

Spanish processor Pescafácil has entered a new growth phase after Ecuadorian shrimp giant OMARSA acquired shares in the company and the Llop family joined Pescafácil's board, the company announced.

The ownership change follows the departure of Venezuela's Lamar Group, which put its stake up for sale last year after political developments in Venezuela forced it to abandon shrimp farming operations. Pescafácil said Lamar had been a partner for seven years.

OMARSA, Ecuador's second-largest exporter of vannamei shrimp, has supplied Pescafácil for nearly 25 years and now takes...

Captain Fresh‑Owned CenSea Acquires Ocean Edge, Expands Lobster and Crab Offerings

Captain Fresh-owned US seafood importer CenSea has acquired Ocean Edge, a move aimed at strengthening its crab and lobster portfolio.

CenSea described Ocean Edge as a specialist in lobster and crab, saying the deal will deepen its premium lobster offerings and establish formal crab capabilities alongside its core shrimp business.

Founded in 2006, Ocean Edge has grown into a premium crustacean supplier, sourcing from Canada, Honduras, and South Africa. The brand’s range also includes imitation crab marketed under the Ocean Edge label...

Spain Allocates an Additional 9 Tons of Red Shrimp to the Mediterranean Trawling Fleet

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has published today in the Official State Gazette a resolution from the General Secretariat of Fisheries assigning an additional quota of nine tons of red shrimp to the Mediterranean trawling fleet, resulting from an exchange with France. 

This measure increases the catch limits per vessel for 2025 and represents significant support for the sector in one of the most important commercial periods of the year, the Christmas campaign, when red shrimp reaches a prominent value in the markets...

Russia, India Set Ambitious Fisheries Cooperation Agenda Post-Putin Visit

Russia plans to expand cooperation with India in the fisheries sector, following agreements made during Russian President Putin's recent visit to India.

The plans include establishing joint ventures focused on maritime logistics, deep-sea fishing, and fishing port automation.

Russia is especially optimistic about increasing Indian seafood imports, with particular emphasis on shrimp supplies. According to Russia’s Agriculture Minister Oksana Luth, India remains a leading shrimp supplier to Russia and imports are expected to grow further in 2026.

“India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of shrimp...

Midland Co Announces Major Retail and Farm Network Expansion

Midland Co recently announced two major milestones that expand the company’s reach to consumers across the Midwest.

First, the company celebrated a new partnership with Fareway, bringing Midland Co’s shrimp products to shelves at select Fareway grocery stores and Fareway Meat Markets.

"Launching into Fareway is a major step forward—for our farmers and for customers who want fresher, more sustainably raised shrimp," said Jackson Kimle, Co-Founder and CEO of Midland Co. "This partnership allows us to bring locally grown seafood to more communities while supporting family farms...

Novotel Becomes First Hospitality Brand To Join Seafood Task Force

Global hotel brand expands ocean commitment with focus on sustainable tuna and farmed shrimp sourcing across Southeast Asia

Novotel, a leading global hotel brand with 600 hotels in 68 countries, has become the first hospitality brand to join the Seafood Task Force (STF).

This milestone reinforces Novotel’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and builds upon the brand’s comprehensive three-year ocean commitment and partnership with WWF, launched in June 2024.

The collaboration with the STF will initially focus on enhancing supply chain transparency...

Japan: September Imports up 15% to JPY 169.5 Billion; Frozen Coho Surged 51%, Sockeye Dropped by 46%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on October 30, Japan's imports of fishery products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) in September decreased by 2% year-on-year to 161,274 tons, while the value increased by 15% to 169.494 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased by 34% to 18,330 tons, and salmon and trout increased by 4% to 13,839 tons, but shrimp decreased by 12%...

US Congressman Calls for Shrimp Import Pause, Cites FDA Radiation Concerns

Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) called on President Donald Trump to pause all shrimp imports into the US, citing the recent radioactive shrimp concerns raised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Congressman Higgins wrote, “Radioactive and contaminated shrimp in our country’s grocery stores is a significant public health threat. I have long maintained that imported seafood can be dangerous, and that stronger preventive measures are necessary to ensure tainted products do not reach American consumers.”

“I recommend that you use executive authority to ensure the integrity...

AquaStar Adds to Indonesian Shrimp Recall Wave

AquaStar (USA) again expanded its recall of shrimp products due to concerns over radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination.

The latest recall, published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website on October 17, focused on a “limited quantity” of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia.

The company noted that none of the impacted products throughout its multiple recalls have tested positive for Cs-137, and no illnesses have been reported.

The impacted products include Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, AquaStar and Publix-branded items...

Florida Processor Tampa Maid Foods Tied to Ongoing Radioactive Shrimp Recalls Across US

Tampa Maid Foods, a Florida-based seafood processor, is the latest company to be linked to the radioactive shrimp recalls impacting a litany of companies in the US.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) highlighted the multiple recalls linked to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s advisory of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in Indonesian shrimp, with Tampa Maid Foods included.

MDARD cited an FDA enforcement report that said Tampa Maid Foods...