Access, Concentration, and Risk: The New Structure of Global Crab Trade

The 2026 global crab market is increasingly defined by concentration and control. Two dominant poles now shape global trade flows: the United States, which has consolidated its position as the world’s premier destination for king and snow crab, and China, which continues to absorb the majority of Russian live production at record levels. In this environment, competitive advantage is no longer driven by tonnage alone, but by secure access, disciplined inventory management, and credible supply chains.

This concentration has left secondary markets—particularly in Asia—more exposed to currency...

ANALYSIS: US Squid Imports Plunge in November as Buyers Await Indian Tariff Clarity

The U.S. squid market maintains a full steady to firm undertone, with elevated tariff structures across all major origins continuing to constrain supply channels and support pricing. The confirmation of Indian squid tariff reductions from 50% to 18% has introduced substantial change to the industry's competitive landscape, with India positioned to regain more competitive pricing against competing suppliers...

Northern Wind to Roll Out Bon Cuisine, a Frozen Seafood Line for Retail at SENA 2026

Northern Wind will introduce Bon Cuisine, a retail-focused frozen seafood line, at Seafood Expo North America in Boston next month, positioning the line as a ready option for retailers targeting protein-driven shoppers.

The Bon Cuisine range pairs premium shrimp and wild-caught scallops with chef-crafted butter sauces designed for consistent flavor and quick preparation. Northern Wind said the SKUs are built for freezer-case visibility and repeat purchase, delivering restaurant-style results from freezer to plate in about 10 minutes...

Trump Order, US‑India Statement Lock in 18% Tariff on Indian Shrimp Imports

Further details of President Trump's announcement of a US-India trade deal were revealed through a February 7 Executive Order and a joint statement confirming the removal of the 25% ad valorem tariff on India‑origin goods and an Indian reciprocal tariff of 18%.

In the EO, US President Donald Trump confirmed that, effective February 7, 2026, products imported from India will no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem tariff, which was imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil...

President Trump Restores Commercial Fishing Access to Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Monument

Just before the weekend, President Trump signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which is located off the New England coast.

The President is committed to removing what he describes as "unnecessary restrictions" on American fishermen. He says this move will strengthen the US economy, support coastal communities, and restore fairness in the industry.

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established in 2016 by President Obama, banning commercial fishing...

Boston Sword & Tuna, Vikenco Settle Litigation, Confirm Ongoing Partnership

Boston Sword & Tuna (BST) resolved its litigation against the Norwegian salmon company Vikenco AS, the companies announced in a joint statement on February 5.

The resolution will see the long-standing partnership between the two firms remain in place. The settlement will resolve all claims between the parties, with no admissions of liability or wrongdoing by either party.

In April 2025, BST and its parent company, Fortune International, filed a lawsuit against a former employee and Vikenco North America.

The legal complaint, filed on April 29, 2025...

Captain D's Debuts Crispy Crunchy Shrimp for Lent

Captain D's introduces its new wonton-coated Crispy Crunchy Shrimp to cater to customers seeking meat alternatives during Lent. Available for a limited time until April 5, these shrimp can be enjoyed as part of the Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & Fish Meal, priced at $5.99 as part of Captain D's Full Meal Deals. These meals include hush puppies and a choice of classic side.

Guests can also opt for the 8 Pc Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & 2 Pc Fish Meal or the Ultimate Seafood Platter featuring Crispy...

Bakkafrost Reports Financial Pressures in Q4 2025 Linked to Salmon Oversupply

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Bakkafrost demonstrated solid operational resilience despite confronting unsatisfactory financial results driven by a substantial increase in the global salmon supply. This oversupply affected market prices, further complicating financial performance. The group's focus on biological control and strategic investments has strengthened its operational groundwork, allowing it to weather these challenging market conditions.

Performance across regions indicated mixed results. The Faroe Islands saw notable financial growth with revenues reaching DKK 1,544 million, a significant increase from the previous...

Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Executive as its New CEO

Kroger has announced the appointment of Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Ron Sargent, who has been serving as interim CEO since March of last year.

"Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams," said Sargent. "His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger. The Board is confident Greg is the right leader to guide Kroger into its next chapter."

Ecuador Pushes US Negotiations Amid Potential Shrimp Shift Back to India After Tariff Cut

Following the recent India-US trade agreement lowering shrimp tariffs, Jose Antonio Camposano, head of Ecuador's National Aquaculture Chamber, urged renewed trade negotiations with the US to safeguard the country's position in its top shrimp export market.

“This is crucial for shrimp, which accounts for 30% of our non-oil exports to that market. Taking full advantage of all negotiation opportunities is key to consolidating and expanding the space gained in that strategic destination,” Camposano wrote on social media platform X on February 2...

Surimi Producer Trans-Ocean Products Appoints Chris Cameron as President

Trans-Oceans Products, a US-based surimi producer, announced the appointment of Chris Cameron as its new President.

Cameron assumed the role of head of the firm, which is owned by the Japanese seafood giant Maruha Nichiro, on January 1, 2026. Cameron succeeds Murry Park, who served as President and CEO of the company since 2014.

"I'm honored to step into the role of President and build on the strong foundation that has made Trans-Ocean a leader in the surimi seafood category," said Cameron...

The Curse and the Blessing of Diverse Fisheries For Communities that Rim Alaska’s Bering Sea

In Anchorage this week and next, the federal, state, and local fisheries managers, industry stakeholders, and scientists are addressing ways to reduce chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea trawl fishery. Hundreds of miles away in communities that rim the Bering Sea from Bethel to Nome, and along the two river systems that feed the Bering Sea, the Yukon and Kuskokwim, residents are also grappling with chum bycatch off their shores, and how much it may be impacting the disappearance of chum from the rivers...

BioMar Acquires Outstanding Shares in Ecuador, Maintaining Strategic Partnership

BioMar announced today its purchase of the remaining 30% stake in BioMar Ecuador and its expansion of 2026 production capacity from 300,000 tonnes to 410,000 tonnes. 

Following a successful partnership that quadrupled the company's feed volumes from 2019 to 2024, BioMar and the Lanec family have agreed to transfer full ownership of the company to BioMar. 

“It has been an incredible journey together with Lanec,” said Carlos Diaz, CEO, BioMar Group. “We were new to the Ecuadorian world of shrimp when entering the joint venture, and Lanec has...

Vaseline and Red Lobster Unite for Valentine's Day Kissing Booth Experience

This Valentine's Day, an unexpected partnership is making its debut.

Vaseline and Red Lobster are teaming up to introduce the Vaseline® x Red Lobster Kissing Booth.

Though the collaboration might seem surprising at first, it's grounded in a timeless Valentine's Day truth. Red Lobster has long been a favorite for romantic evenings, celebrated for its indulgent dishes and intimate atmosphere.

Conversely, Vaseline® Limited Edition Valentine's Day Lip Therapy® is the perfect companion when those special moments lead to a...

Patrick Keliher Named 2025 Captain David H. Hart Award Recipient

At its Winter Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) presented Patrick Keliher, former Commissioner with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME DMR), the Captain David H. Hart Award for 2025 for his longstanding contributions to and exceptional leadership towards the sustainable management of marine resources along the Eastern Seaboard...

Expana’s 2026 Valentine’s Day Index: Lower Lobster Tail Prices Help Pull Meal Costs Down

Expana’s US Valentine’s Day Index is live — and the big story for dinner tables is lobster. The Valentine’s Meal Index (beef tenderloin, lobster tail, potatoes) fell 7.8% year over year and 10.4% month over month, driven largely by softer lobster tail and potato prices.

For frozen North American lobster tails (5–6 oz, EBP), the year-to-date average sits near $19.50/lb, about 18% below the same period last year and well under the five-year seasonal average...

Captain Fresh to Restart Indian Supply Chains as US-India Trade Deal Lowers Shrimp Tariff

The CEO of the India-based seafood giant Captain Fresh said the company would shift most of its sourcing back to India following its recent trade deal with the United States, according to an interview with The Times of India.

Captain Fresh founder and CEO Utham Gowda told the publication that the company has already agreed with its Indian suppliers to resume manufacturing as soon as possible. Gowda added that before the massive 50% tariff on India, the company sourced two-thirds of its products...

New York Man Charged in Snow Crab, Blueberries Heist After Allegedly Hacking Trucking Company Emails

A New York man was arrested and charged with allegedly hacking into the email accounts of trucking companies and using them to book cargo shipments containing snow crab, blueberries, and designer cologne and selling them for profit

Romoy Forbes, a Jamaican National residing in Deer Park, NY, was charged with interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy to commit that offense, according to the US Attorney's Office of the District of Massachusetts. He was arrested in Long Island, NY and...

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Imports Fell by 3% in Volume; Pollock Surimi up 36% from Russia, Down 11% from the US 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on January 29th, the volume of marine product imports in 2025 (preliminary figures, including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) decreased 3% from the previous year to 2,024,014 tons, while import value increased 4% to 2,381,400,000 yen ($15,175,740.60). Fresh and frozen tuna increased 6% to 186,362 tons, fresh and frozen salmon and trout remained the same as the previous year at 219,397 tons, and sea urchin...

Norway's Annual Salmon Mortality Rate Dips Below 15% for First Time in Several Years

The annual mortality rate (mortality risk) for farmed salmon in Norway finished 2025 at an estimated 14.2%, down from 15.4% a year ago and 16.7% in 2023, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. This marks the first time the rate has fallen below 15% in several years.

The calculations were based on monthly records of the number of dead and live fish that farmers reported to Norwegian authorities, the institute explained.

“Several players have reported lower loss figures in 2025 and the Veterinary Institute's calculations support...

Atlantic Sapphire Seeks Up to $25 Million to Sustain Phase 1 Turnaround Toward EBITDA Breakeven

Atlantic Sapphire ASA outlined a financing plan to support its ongoing Phase 1 turnaround and target EBITDA breakeven, according to a February 5 update. The company says it is evaluating funding options of roughly USD 15–25 million to underpin continued execution across production, processing and commercial operations and to ensure liquidity headroom through the planning horizon.

Over the last 18 months, Atlantic Sapphire has pursued a broad-based operational overhaul, reporting tangible gains in harvest biomass (4,365 tons HOG in 2024 to...

ANALYSIS: US Groundfish Imports Show November Gains but Yearly Deficits Keep Prices Firm

November import data reveals a groundfish market marked by uneven month-over-month gains and persistent structural supply constraints. While cod and pollock experienced monthly increases in shipments, year-to-date volumes remain significantly lower than 2024, reinforcing upward price momentum in twice-frozen Atlantic and Pacific cod loins...

New Coalition Calls on Administration to Safeguard USMCA, Highlighting Ag and Seafood Stakes

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, backed by 40 farm and agricultural groups, launched today with a new website and an ad blitz in Washington DC as it pushes to defend and strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the Trump administration's July 2026 review.

The new coalition aims to highlight the USMCA's critical importance to the US farm economy and to call for its renewal with ag-targeted improvements.

“USMCA is one of President Trump’s...

Rabobank: Salmon Supply Growth to Stall, Tariffs, Trade Shifts to Drive Shrimp Volume

Resilient consumer demand is keeping prices firm across major aquaculture species as 2026 gets underway, even with constrained supply, shifting trade flows, and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to test seafood markets around the world, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Aquaculture Update.

“While inflation has eased in major economies, supporting demand, the industry still faces headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainty, evolving tariff regimes, and climate‑related pressures,” said Novel Sharma, Seafood analyst at RaboResearch.

Farmed salmon input is expected to largely stall in 2026, with a potential...

John Williams Retires and Blake Price Steps In as Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance

The Southern Shrimp Alliance announced changes in leadership earlier this week with the retirement of long-time executive director John Williams and the appointment of former Deputy Director Blake Price. Williams has agreed to act in an advisory capacity through June to ensure a smooth transition. 

Williams is leaving a transformed Southern Shrimp Alliance. From the outset, serving first as secretary and then quickly moving into the role of Executive Director, Williams tackled issues head-on while building relationships with government officials, fishermen, scientists...

FDA Announces Nationwide Recall of Prime Food's Dried Croaker Fish

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall from Prime Food Processing for its Dried Croaker Fish product.

The items were not adequately eviscerated prior to packing, as required by the FDA and poses a significant health risk as fish which aren't properly eviscerated may retain internal organs that can harbor harmful bacteria or toxins.

The issue was determined during routine testing by the New York Department of Agriculture. A subsequent investigation determined that the problem originated from an...

Ecuador Wraps CEPA Negotiations with United Arab Emirates, Strengthening Trade and Investment

The Government of Ecuador, led by President Daniel Noboa, announced the technical closure of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates, consolidating a strategic step for strengthening foreign trade, diversifying markets, and attracting investment to the country.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Production, Foreign Trade and Investments, Luis Alberto Jaramillo, together with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, within the framework of the World Government...

P.F. Chang's Unveils Limited-Time Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu

P.F. Chang's is embracing the spirit of love with a special Valentine's Day offering, a limited-time prix fixe menu available from February 12 through February 16 at participating locations nationwide.

For $89.99, guests can savor a five-course dinner for two, combining P.F. Chang's beloved classics with exciting new dishes. (Note: Pricing at New York City's Union Square and Honolulu, HI locations is set at $99.99).

"P.F. Chang's is a place where great food sets the tone for a...

ANALYSIS: China's Lobster Imports Hit Record High Amid Supplier Shift

Since lobster imports began gaining momentum in China in 2017, Chinese consumers have increasingly embraced this high-end seafood, appreciating its delicate taste and juicy flesh. According to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), lobster imports (all species combined) reached a record volume of 69,774 metric tonnes in 2025. This marks a 14.7% increase over 2024 and a substantial 61.6% rise from the low point of 43,185 metric tonnes recorded during the coronavirus crisis in 2021...

US Market Challenges Push Norwegian Salmon Fillet Exports Down 37%, Poland and China Surge

Norwegian seafood exports fell 3% in value at the start of 2026 compared to January last year, as the US market faced “unpredictable tariffs,” a weaker dollar, and rising competition, the Norwegian Seafood Council reports. CEO Christian Chramer pointed to lower salmon prices, reduced quotas for several wild species, and challenging market access as key factors behind the decline.

At this point last year, the US was the largest single market for Norwegian seafood. Today, the value of exports destined for the US has declined...