Trump Signs Memo to Advance Reciprocal Tariffs, Aims to Balance Trade

President Trump signed a memorandum that could lead to the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on the trading partners of the United States.

“The ‘Fair and Reciprocal Plan’ will seek to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board,” per a fact sheet from the White House. “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of: this plan will put the American worker first, improve our competitiveness in every area of industry, reduce our trade deficit, and bolster our economic and national security...

Over 21 Million Pounds of Alaska Pollock Among USDA’s Latest Seafood Purchase Requests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking bids on various seafood products, including catfish, shrimp, and Alaskan pollock, through Section 32.

The USDA stated that the products, announced in three separate solicitations, will be used in domestic food distribution programs. Bids are due by February 27, and acceptances will be announced on March 6. The largest purchase is focused on Alaskan pollock, with the USDA looking for bids on over 21 million pounds of product. The offerings range from frozen pollock fillets...

Japan: Import Prices Rise for Frozen US and Russian Cod, Raising Concerns about Reduced Imports

As of January 31, the sale price of dressed cod from Alaska, 9/10 fish per 18/19 kg frozen block, was around 1,000 yen/kg ($6.51/kg), nearly double what it was four years ago.

“Demand from Europe and the US is tight due to a trend of poor catches worldwide. It is expected to reach around 1,070 yen/kg ($6.97/kg) in February,” said a trading company source. 

Prices for Russian cod have also risen, and there is a possibility that...

Nordic Aqua Resumes Sale of Atlantic Salmon at Facility in Ningbo, China

On February 13, 2025, salmon aquaculture company Nordic Aqua announced the resumption of Atlantic Salmon sales at its facility in Ningbo, China.

This marks a big step in the land-based salmon farmer’s Chinese market presence, as Nordic Aqua is once again capable of producing Atlantic salmon for China. With a population of more than 1.4 billion people, China remains a significant salmon customer with a robust growth potential, according to Nordic Aqua.

Nordic Aqua went on to explain that its Ningbo facility is situated within five hours...

SeafoodNews Closed on Monday, February 17, 2025

SeafoodNews will not be publishing on Monday, February 17. We will return to our normal publishing schedule on Tuesday, February 18.

In the meantime, catch up on our recent major news stories by checking our Featured Stories page.

From all of us here at SeafoodNews, we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

Cousins Maine Lobster Opens New Location in Springfield-Peoria, IL

On February 11, 2025, Cousins Maine Lobster (CML) announced its expansion into Central Illinois with the grand opening of its first Springfield-Peoria food truck.

The food truck brand, which was made famous as a Shark Tank investment, will be serving up Maine food staples, including wild-caught lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, loaded lobster tots, and more.

Yunus and Thameem Shahul—CML franchisees and brothers who opened their first truck in Chicago in February 2024—will operate six trucks in Illinois, including the expansion into Central...

Steakholder Foods Secures $250,000 in Third SIIRD Grant Installment

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), a leading innovator in alternative proteins and 3D printing technologies, today announced that it has received its third payment of USD 250,000 from the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD). To date the Company has received a total of USD 740,000 from the USD 1,000,000 grant awarded to Steakholder Foods from SIIRD.

The first installment was disbursed in March 2024 following the Company's successful production of 3D-printed hybrid fish using its proprietary Printer HD144...

Agricultural Trade Highlighted During Greer's USTR Confirmation Hearing

On February 6, the Senate committee hearing was conducted for Trump’s nomination to the US Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer who previously served as the Chief of Staff to the agency under Robert Lighthizer. Since then, Greer has been advanced by the committee to a forthcoming Senate confirmation vote.

During the hearing, Greer spoke about bipartisan trade policy–notably the tariffs on China that were kept by the Biden administration. Greer says he wants the position because he believes America should be a country of producers...

Congressman Urges Trump to Crack Down on Seafood Imports from China, India, and Others 

US Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) wrote a letter to President Trump requesting tariffs be placed on seafood imports from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, some of the country’s largest trading partners.

“Domestic shrimpers, fishermen, and crawfish producers in Louisiana and across the country face significant challenges competing against foreign seafood industries that are heavily subsidized and engage in illegal dumping into the United States,” Congressman Higgins wrote. “These unrighteous trade practices artificially drive down prices, disrupt fair market conditions, and threaten...

Mowi to Appeal Fine for Salmon Escape to Chile’s Supreme Court

Mowi will appeal to Chile’s Supreme Court after an environmental court confirmed sanctions imposed by Chile’s Environmental Superintendency (SMA) linked to a 2018 escapement.

On February 10, a ruling from the Third Environmental Court confirmed the 5.3 billion Chilean pesos (US $5.1 million) fine levied on Mowi Chile linked to a major salmon escapement at its CES Punta Redonda fattening center in the Los Lagos region.

“The court's response comes within the framework of the claim of illegality...

North Council Sets Options for Reducing Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea

Ecuadorian Shrimp Companies Unite Under “Ecuador First Class Shrimp” Brand to Expand Global Reach

Ecuadorian shrimp companies have adopted the “Ecuador First Class Shrimp” brand as they look to promote the 60-year industry at trade shows and beyond.

The new brand, created with the help of Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA), aims to tell the industry's story. It focuses on characteristics like sustainability, quality, and innovation.

The Ecuador First Class Shrimp brand will be on display at the upcoming Seafood Expo North America show and was on display at some trade shows...

JFOODO Launches Japanese Seafood Campaign in NYC Focusing on Buri and Scallops

The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) recently launched a new campaign to promote Japanese seafood in the U.S., called “It Starts with Japanese Seafood.”

The campaign, which goes from February 13 to March 6, invites customers at select New York City restaurants to experience a Japanese culinary experience with specific focus on staples like Japanese scallops and buri.

"For centuries, the unmatched quality of Japanese Seafood has been a cornerstone of culinary excellence," said Taiki Sawabe, Director, JFOODO Los Angeles. "It's no secret our seafood is..."

Strong Holiday Demand Boosts Kingfish Company's Sales in Q4

The Kingfish Company said fiscal 2024 ended on a high note thanks to strong sales, with volumes reaching 556 tons. The company credited the sales jump to strong holiday demand and a “well-executed go-to-market approach.”

Despite growth in retail and foodservice segments, the company saw its revenue per KG decline to €13.4 ($14.1/kg). Kingfish credited seasonal promotions and increased sales in smaller fish to adjust to biomass for the dip...

Yakama Nation Member to Receive 2025 Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Award

The Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) today announced that it has named Yakama Nation member, Ilene Goudy, as its first award recipient for 2025. Goudy, an Environmental Science student at Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington, has deep family roots in the Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Wenatchee areas of the state, and hopes to bring to the field of fisheries management, land use, and enhancement her family’s “traditional eco-knowledge...

Trump’s Political Appointments: What They Mean for Commodity Markets

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for this second term as US President. JD Vance also took the oath of office to become the 47th Vice President.

The new President and his political appointments have dotted headlines in the agricultural commodity space and beyond–grabbing the attention of individuals worldwide. More importantly, the people Trump is bringing aboard to lead, regulate, or deregulate the country’s industries will carry with them implications for domestic and international commodity markets...

Seafood Industry Gears Up for the 43rd Edition of Seafood Expo North America in Boston

The seafood industry will again converge in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 18, for the 43rd edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

Seafood suppliers, processing, equipment and services companies, and other professionals from across the globe head to Boston every year to showcase their offerings. The exhibit hall spans over 248,065 net square feet, and companies from 49 countries have already confirmed attendance.

“As an industry that is constantly evolving across various sectors, in-person seafood...