USDA Awards $34.66 Million for Pacific Pink Shrimp and Atlantic Groundfish Contracts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded $34.66 million in Section 32 contracts for Pacific pink shrimp ($15.73 million) and Atlantic groundfish ($18.93 million).

The announcement comes after the USDA’s pre-solicitation notice on May 23 and its solicitation notice on June 16 for frozen Atlantic pollock fillets, frozen haddock fillets, frozen ocean perch fillets, and Pacific salad shrimp.

Among the successful pink shrimp contracts were the following awards for Pacific salad shrimp: $3.275 million to Bornstein Seafoods, Inc., $10.01 million...

The Winding Glass: Seafood Trade Disruptions Reappear While Economic Headwinds Drive Prices Down

The economic collapse that many of us feared from the chaotic tariff policies of the Trump administration has not materialized—at least not yet. The seafood industry has shown a remarkable degree of resilience in the face of disruptive trade policy. But this should not be mistaken for invulnerability. The more pressing issue now is not tariffs but weakening consumer demand.

There are three reasons the anticipated tariff-induced disaster hasn’t occurred. First, there’s a deep political bias baked into how people perceive economic risks...

Prime Shrimp Launches New Shrimp Burgers for Retail and Foodservice

Value-added shrimp company Prime Shrimp has unveiled its Prime Shrimp Burgers, which are now offered to customers in the foodservice and retail sectors.

The burgers are made with 80 percent shrimp and are free from sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The product is cook-from-frozen and pre-portioned, per Prime Shrimp.

Prime Shrimp said the burgers feature Pacific White Shrimp sourced from Ecuador. The 4-ounce patties feature large shrimp pieces, chopped bell pepper, and Prime Shrimp’s Signature Cajun seasoning...

Japan's Seafood Imports in May Decreased by 5% YOY in Volume and 3% YOY in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on June 27, Japan’s May seafood imports (with preliminary figures including fish and shellfish, their preparations, fish meal, and seaweed) decreased by 5% in volume from the same month last year, totaling 181,942 tons. In addition, the value of these imports decreased by 3% to 165.412 billion yen ($1.154 billion), as reported by Japanese news outlet Minato Shimbun.

Fresh and frozen tuna imports rose by 13% to 17,417 tons, including the following tuna...

Rabobank Sees Pressure from Tariffs and Trade Shifts: Shrimp, Salmon Sectors Brace for Impact

A new report from Rabobank highlights how affordability challenges and shifting trade dynamics are transforming global seafood markets in 2025.

The price point of seafood is a key factor influencing demand. In the second half of the year, the Trump administration’s tariffs could pose a significant challenge to consumer affordability, as costs are passed on. Meanwhile, Rabobank expects demand to improve in China due to stimulus packages. Lastly, Europe is expected to be a strong market as exporters shift trade from the US and China amid...

India Seeks US Tariff Revisions on Shrimp Ahead of Key Trade Talks

As the United States and India push towards a new trade agreement, India is keeping a close eye on how the US Department of Commerce (DOC) handles countervailing duties (CVD) and anti-dumping duties (ADD) on shrimp imports from India, according to Indian business publication mint.

The paper reported that India may lower its duties on shrimp imports from the US if the US revises its own duties on Indian shrimp. The publication’s sources said revisions would help resolve current disputes hampering current trade negotiations...

Sustainable Shrimp Partnership Develops Living Wage Program for Ecuadorian Shrimp Farms

The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) said its latest initiative would set “a new benchmark for social responsibility in shrimp aquaculture.”

The SSP has partnered with IDH for a project in Ecuador that will measure and validate that workers on SSP shrimp farms are receiving a living wage.

The program was inaugurated on June 11 in Guayaquil, Ecuador and aims to “ensure that the workforce of participating companies earns sufficient income,” per a release from the SSP. The program works through IDH’s Salary Matrix, a digital platform based...

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. Becomes First Ecuadorian Shrimp Farm to Join ASC Improver Program

Ecuadorian shrimp farm AGRIMINGOLD S.A. became the first in the country to join an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

The ASC said the project covers 135 hectares of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) farm in El Oro Province, Ecuador. AGRIMINGOLD S.A. produces 753.15 metric tons of shrimp annually.

The Improver Programme by ASC supports farms that are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices, the group shared in a news release...

Seafood Sellers in Mississippi Face New Labeling Rules This July

Mississippi is just weeks away from implementing a new labeling law aimed at improving the transparency of seafood sold in the state.

Starting on July 1, all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi—whether in grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants or food trucks—must be clearly labeled as either imported or domestic, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR).

“Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law is a pivotal step toward restoring consumer trust and safeguarding the integrity of our Gulf Coast heritage,” said MDMR Executive Director Joe Spraggins...

US Issues Record-High Preliminary Decision on Anti-Dumping Tariffs on Vietnamese Shrimp 

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has hit two dozen of Vietnam’s shrimp exporters with a record-high preliminary anti-dumping tax rate of 35.29%.  

The preliminary decision is based off the Department’s 19th administrative review on anti-dumping duties for frozen warmwater shrimp imported from Vietnam, which ran from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024.  

The DOC named Seafood Joint Stock Company (STAPIMEX) and Thong Thuan Company Limited (Thong Thuan) as mandatory respondents. It was determined that STAPIMEX sold...

ANALYSIS: Mixed Performance Among Key Exporters of Pandalus Borealis in Q1

In the first quarter, global exports of Pandalus Borealis shrimp from Denmark, Canada, and Norway decreased by 8.2% year-over-year in volume and by 18.9% in value. This represents a total of 25,667 metric tons of cold-water shrimp exported between January and March (HS codes 030616 and 030635), generating approximately USD 116.0 million in revenue. When measured in euros, the year-over-year change in value was -16.2%, reflecting the weaker U.S. dollar since February.

Export performance varied across the three main...

Lake Charles Has a 79% Authenticity Rate for Gulf Shrimp Labeling, Test Results Indicate

According to recent genetic testing conducted by SEAD Consulting, 19 out of 24 shrimp dishes (78%) sampled in local restaurants in Lake Charles, Louisiana were found to be either selling authentic wild-caught Gulf shrimp or correctly labeling imported seafood on their menus.

This round of testing is part of an 8-state study being commissioned by the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) and the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, utilizing SEAD’s patented genetic test RIGHTTest™. As part of this effort, more than 300 randomly selected restaurants...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Memorial Day Retail Ads; Weather Poses Challenges

Seafood leads retail protein promotions heading into Memorial Day weekend, accounting for 28.7% of total featured protein ad volume. Pork follows at 25.9%, with beef at 21.3% and chicken at 19.3%.

Egg feature volume is virtually absent amid sluggish retail demand. Warmer weather is prompting a shift toward fruit and cereal for breakfast, while elevated, though easing, shelf prices continue to dampen consumer interest, according to Expana.

Within the seafood category, fresh and frozen fillets represent the largest share of advertised items at nearly 28%. Raw shrimp...

Russia to Increase Fish Exports to Vietnam

Russia plans to increase its fish exports to Vietnam this year thanks to the ever-growing demand from local processors.

According to German Zverev, President of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers, Vietnam is actively expanding its processing capacities and becoming a key player in the global market. In 2024, the country almost liquidated its gap with China in terms of fish exports.

At present, Vietnamese processors mainly work with local raw materials, such as pangasius and tilapia, but its taste is inferior to wild fish. Thus, Russia can become an important...

Dept. of State Releases Annual Determination and Certification of Shrimp-Harvesting Nations

The U.S. Department of State has determined that wild-caught shrimp or shrimp products harvested in the following fisheries/nations are eligible to enter the United States, effective May 12, 2025:

* Australia (Northern Prawn Fishery, the Queensland East Coast Trawl Fishery, the Spencer Gulf, and the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery)

* France (French Guiana)

* Italy (giant red shrimp)

* Japan (shrimp baskets in Hokkaido)

* Republic of Korea (mosquito nets); and

* Spain (Mediterranean red shrimp).

For any nations, economies, and fisheries not listed above, the U.S. is only accepting farmed shrimp...

SSA Calls for Commerce Dept. to Investigate Ecuador Shrimp Industry’s Alleged Illegal Practices

As the tectonic shifts in U.S. trade policy are being felt by countries that have provided the U.S. consumer with high-demand goods, U.S. producers of these goods see opportunities for relief from competition and growing markets for their product.

The U.S. demand for shrimp — imported and domestic — presents an opportunity for domestic shrimp producers to expand their market while building protections against future trade conflicts and exposing alleged violations of trade practices in foreign countries. 

Ecuador, the world’s second largest exporter of shrimp to the U.S...

TCRS’s Annual Shrimp Summit Underscores Industry Promise Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Around 500 shrimp experts and industry stakeholders recently gathered in-person and online to participate in The Center for Responsible Seafood’s (TCRS) annual Shrimp Summit, which was held in Bali from June 22-26.

During the event, attendees explored the latest trends and technologies and the potential for shrimp industry growth down the line.

A critical concern expressed by attendees was tariffs and their impact on global markets, as cited by 100% of respondents surveyed during the Summit’s first session.

“Challenging economic conditions and market uncertainty made it even more..."

ANALYSIS: Front-Loading Frenzy; May Shrimp Imports Increase 14.6% YTD on Tariff Deadline

Executive Summary

May shrimp import data reveals continued strong volume growth accompanied by rising replacement costs, creating a challenging market dynamic. While imports exceeded expectations across most categories, the combination of higher volumes, elevated costs, and front-loading ahead of tariff implementation, suggests significant inventory accumulation. The market faces a fundamental paradox: imports and costs are both rising, yet U.S. demand remains tepid, pointing to inevitable margin compression as the industry struggles to absorb higher costs across the supply chain without proportional demand...

Trump Announces US Trade Deal With Vietnam, Including 20% Import Tariff

President Trump announced that the United States has agreed to a new trade deal with Vietnam on July 2.

Trump stated that Vietnam will pay the US a 20% tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods. The higher 40% tariff targets products that are not originally made in Vietnam but are routed through the country to bypass higher tariffs. This move is significant, as many countries have used Vietnam as a transit point to avoid stricter trade penalties aimed at Chinese...

ANALYSIS: India’s Shrimp Exports Continue Upward Trend Despite Market Shifts

According to the latest data from India’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, shrimp exports from India have continued their year-over-year growth for the fifth consecutive year, based on figures from January to April. Export volumes reached 224,723 metric tons during this period — an increase of 7.8% compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, India’s shrimp exports have shown a consistent upward trend. In 2021, export volumes surged by 25.1% as global markets rebounded...

Red Lobster Announces Return of Crabfest and New Seafood Boil Options

On June 23, 2025, Red Lobster announced the return of its annual Crabfest event along with new flavors and all-new Seafood Boils.

The promotional event follows a series of recent ups and downs for the seafood dining chain, which is currently rebounding from a bankruptcy filing more than a year ago. The company has also experienced significant leadership turnover, with a fresh lineup amassing by November 2024 for its CEO, CFO, and COO.

As part of the latest Crabfest, Red Lobster is now offering two seafood boil options...

Thai Union Releases 2024 Sustainability Report  

Thai Union released its 2024 Sustainability Report this week, detailing its role over the last year in protecting marine ecosystems and building transparency across global seafood supply chains.  

The seafood producer kicked off 2024 with the launch of its Lower Carbon Shrimp Program in Thailand, which aims to decarbonize shrimp production and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Thai Union also achieved zero waste to landfill status at 23 of its 32 manufacturing and distribution sites.  

Another big takeaway from the report is the company’s progress when it comes to tuna. Thai Union sourced...

Sen. Kennedy Urges HHS to Enhance Foreign Seafood Inspections 

In a letter sent to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Senator John Kennedy (R-La) is urging the department to enhance the inspection process for seafood imports that do not meet US standards — specifically when it comes to shrimp.  

The senator highlighted shrimp producers in countries like India, Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam, who he says do not always comply with environmental regulations and bans on antibiotic use. 

“A growing body of academic research and investigative reporting indicate that imported shrimp frequently contain illicit...

Bornstein Seafoods Recalls 44K Pounds of Coldwater Shrimp Meat

Bellingham, Washington-based Bornstein Seafoods recalled 44,550 pounds of ‘Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat’ because the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website, the product was distributed directly to distributors and retailers in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. It may have been further distributed and sold at retailers nationwide.

The product can be identified under Bornstein Seafoods branded packaging in a one-lb. or five-lb. plastic bag...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Shrimp Import April 2025 Market Review

Executive Summary

Expana's April shrimp import analysis shows strong volume growth alongside rising prices, creating a situation that looks eerily similar to 2022 when the market faced oversupply issues. Import volumes are up significantly, but demand absorption appears limited, pointing to potential margin pressure ahead as importers rush to beat the July tariff deadline.

In this report:

            1. FORECAST PERFORMANCE VS. ACTUAL FIGURES
            2. IMPORT BREAKDOWN BY PRODUCT FORM
            3. SUPPLIER COUNTRY DYNAMICS
            4. PEELED PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
            5. HELL-ON MARKET SURGE
            6. COOKED SHRIMP MOMENTUM
            7. MARGIN AND...

SSP and CNA Host 2025 SustainED Event in Ecuador, Focused on Efficient, Sustainable Shrimp Farming

The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and Ecuador's National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) recently hosted a new edition of the SustainED shrimp aquaculture program in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  

This edition of the program was focused on nutritional innovation and upholding aquaculture standards in order to strengthen efficiency and sustainability within the world’s largest shrimp-producing nation, Ecuador.  

This year’s program was titled “Nutritional Innovation: How to Maximize Feed Efficiency at Every Stage of Shrimp Farming,” and took place on May 22, 2025, at the Hilton Colón Hotel...

Oregon Gov. Kotek, Lawmakers Applaud $16 Million Pink Shrimp USDA Purchase

In another win for consumers, the seafood industry, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oregon pink shrimp will soon become available thanks to a $16 million government purchase.  

The West Coast pink shrimp industry has been reeling from uncertainty due to global markets and potential European retaliatory tariffs; the purchase will help offset some of that, shrimp fishermen and processors said.   

"This is a great day for Oregon seafood communities,” Nick Edwards, Secretary of Shrimp Producers Marketing Cooperative, said in a press release...

Federal Purchases of US Seafood Products Have Increased More Than Five-Fold Over Past Decade

U.S. government purchases of seafood products have risen significantly since 2016, when about $70 million worth of salmon, catfish, and shrimp was purchased by the government for various federal food programs. In 2023, that total was $345 million, just under a five-fold increase in seven years. Estimates for 2024 show even more increases, currently predicted to be just over $360 million.

Purchases of fish and seafood also comprise a growing share of USDA purchases, up from 2% of procured foods...

ANALYSIS: Argentine Red Shrimp Supply Disruptions Expected Amid Mild Q1 Export Decline

According to official census data, Argentine shrimp exports experienced a slight decline in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Total export volumes fell from 38,147 metric tons (MT) in Q1 2024 to 36,544 MT in Q1 2025. However, it is important to note that export figures for Russia have not been reported this year, which may result in...

Profand Earns BSP Certification for Argentinian Fleet; First Certified Fleet in Country

Global fish company Profand recently obtained a Best Seafood Practices (BSP) Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard (RFVS) for its Argentinian fleet of squid and shrimp vessels, the first of its kind in the South American country, according to a recent press release from the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA).

The vertically integrated seafood company currently has a presence in 12 countries, with 24 vessels in Argentina, Morocco and the United States, three aquaculture sites in Ecuador, Greece and Galicia, and 13 seafood processing plants worldwide.

The third-party BSP certification...