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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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%...

SATS Unveils Video Series Championing Open Ocean Aquaculture in the US

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), an offshore aquaculture advocacy group, announced a three‑video series aimed at making the case for federal legislation to enable open‑ocean aquaculture in US waters.

The videos collect firsthand accounts from leaders across the seafood and broader agriculture supply chains who say the absence of a clear federal legal framework prevents the US from producing more farmed domestic seafood.

“The nation’s top environmental organizations, along with seafood leaders, chefs, and academics in the US agree that sustainable fish farming is essential to...

Cousins Maine Lobster Launches First Permanent Food Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster has officially expanded into South Carolina with the launch of its first permanent food truck in the Columbia market. Expana first reported on the company's plan to expand in the Southeast in December of last year.

This venture is spearheaded by long-time friends turned business partners, Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb. The pair are planning to introduce another truck in the Midlands community by 2027. Both Bloseser and Cobb have strong backgrounds in multi-unit operations, team leadership, and customer-focused...

ANALYSIS: Constrained Spanish Octopus Supply Drove Challenges Across 2025

Spanish octopus markets continue reflecting the effects of tariff pressures and constrained overseas supply, with 4-6 categories holding mostly within the $6.50-6.75 range amid significant transaction volatility. The sector maintains a full steady character overall, though individual supplier circumstances appear to be creating substantial differences in marketplace approaches.

Import data reveals underlying supply challenges, with US imports from Spain showing consistent year-over-year declines across virtually every month in 2025 compared to 2024. The reduced import volumes appear to reflect the broader structural challenges facing the Spanish...

High Liner's Sea Cuisine Debuts Guinness Battered Fish and Shrimp in 1,500 Kroger Stores, Costco

Bringing pub classics to the frozen aisle, Sea Cuisine, one of High Liner Foods’ retail brands, introduced Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp made from wild-caught Alaska pollock and tail-off shrimp coated in a Guinness-infused batter.

The products are now available in roughly 1,500 Kroger-family stores and in Costco club-size packs as the brand eyes broader North American expansion.

Expanding on its existing portfolio of Guinness Foodservice options, High Liner unveiled the Sea Cuisine Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp...

Echo Falls to Showcase Smoked Salmon Party Slices and On‑The‑Go Salmon Bites at SENA 2026

With one month to go before the seafood industry converges on the Boston Convention Center, Echo Falls Seafoods is gearing up to unveil new products at Seafood Expo North America 2026.

Echo Falls will introduce Smoked Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Party Slices at the show. The item is described as suitable for appetizer bases and comes in three flavors: Pepper, Traditional, and Dill.

The company will also showcase Smoked Atlantic Salmon Bites, a product it calls “game-changing” in the retail snack category...

SeaPak Bets on Lent With Family-Friendly Campaign, Teams Up with Child Nutrition Expert Diana Rice

SeaPak is looking to become the answer for families with picky eaters during Lent this year.

The company wants to make Fridays during the season, which sees millions of Americans abstain from meat, into a discovery period for families that may turn to seafood more often as the work week winds down.

SeaPak will look to accomplish its goals through a partnership with child nutrition expert Diana Rice, who will provide families with tips and tricks to create seafood-focused meals during Lent...

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%...

Expana Weekly Top 10: Trade Turbulence, Retail Shifts, and Weather-Driven Market Disruption

Welcome to this week's edition of the Expana's Weekly Top 10, where we dive into the latest developments across global markets and industries. This week, we explore insights from Fruit Logistica 2026 with Thess Mostoles, highlighting resilience in fresh produce markets amid supply chain challenges. The impact of extreme weather on European agriculture and shifts in retail amid Lent's seafood demand also take center stage. Additionally, we cover significant trade and economic issues, from Wendy's planned closures and Hormel's divestiture...

Frank O’Hara III Takes Helm at Wild Alaska Sole Association

The Board of the Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) elected Frank O’Hara III as the group’s new president, it announced on February 18.

Currently, O’Hara serves as the Executive Vice President of the fishing company O’Hara Corporation, which harvests flatfish and other groundfish species in Alaska’s Bering Sea. He will succeed Jim Johnson of North Star Fishing Company, who served as President of WASA since it was created in 2023.

“I’m looking forward to working with WASA and growing markets for our Wild Alaska Sole...

National Fisheries Institute Welcomes Gina Mortillaro as Director of Scientific Affairs

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has announced the appointment of Gina Mortillaro as Director of Scientific Affairs, succeeding Margaret Malkoski, who is retiring after a decade in that role.

"Margaret leaves an indelible mark on our association and this industry," said NFI’s President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard. “We will miss her dedication and deep knowledge. At the same time, we’re pleased to have a regulatory expert with more than twenty years in the business taking the baton."

In her new role, Mortillaro will...

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...

American Seafoods Mourns the Passing of Former CEO and Owner Bernt Bodal

American Seafoods Company is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its former Chief Executive Officer, Bernt Bodal.

Bernt was far more than a leader — he was a force of nature. With a larger-than-life presence, unmistakable energy, and a deep love for Alaska’s fishing communities, he left a lasting imprint on the people and places that define our industry. His personality filled every room he entered, and his passion for the North Pacific and its fisheries helped shape the spirit of modern Alaska fishing as we...

Chilean Fisheries and Aquaculture Exports Surge in January, Driven by African Market Demand

Chile’s fisheries and aquaculture sector experienced significant growth in January 2026, boosting the country's export numbers beyond traditional staples like copper and lithium.

According to an Export Report by ProChile and its Intelligence Department, using data from the National Customs Service, exports saw a 2.1% increase compared to January 2025.

Notably, sector-specific exports reached US $954 million, reflecting a 14% rise from US $837 million year-over-year (YOY). While salmon and trout dominated the export charts with US $731 million...

Frozen and PetCare Units Drive Margin Expansion at Thai Union

Thai Union Group PCL reported record profitability for 2025, with a full-year gross profit margin of 18.9% and earnings per share rising 7.2% as the company navigated tariffs, currency pressures and other external headwinds.

Sales volumes grew 2.5% to 908,000 metric tons (MT) and full-year revenues reached THB 133 billion $4.3 billion), while adjusted operating profit (excluding transformation costs) totaled THB 7 billion. The board approved a total annual dividend of THB 0.70 per share, up 6% from 2024 and representing a 57.7% payout ratio...