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...

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...

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...

Salmon Giant Mowi Breaks Records in 2024, Raises Harvest Guidance for 2025

Mowi said that in 2024, the company reached a litany of records for Q4 and the full year. The largest fish farming company in the world said it had its highest turnover and harvest volumes last year, with revenue at EUR 5.62 billion ($5.8 billion) on 502,000 metric tons of salmon.

“I am extremely pleased that we have continued to deliver on our strategy and our goals, and I am impressed with the way the organisation was once again able to produce both record volumes and record...

Former NBA Star Blake Griffin Dunks Into Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest 2025

Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest has returned, and the chain called the 2025 edition the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time.

The brand teamed up with former National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Blake Griffin, including a new way to enjoy lobster via Blake Griffin’s Way: a lineup that includes Rock Lobster Tail, NEW Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, and NEW Lobster Mac & Cheese, all on one plate.

The partnership with Griffin tipped off with a campaign showcasing Griffin dunking basketballs and enjoying Red Lobster...

Supreme Crab & Seafood Introduces the Signature Catch Crab Meat Combo Stack

Supreme Crab & Seafood is pleased to announce the launch of the Signature Catch® Crab Meat Combo Stack, a carefully crafted blend of 4 sizes of meat in 1 can.  The Combo Stack is designed to simplify the process for Chefs with a balanced, consistent mix.

With an ideal blend for crab cakes and other seafood dishes, this product provides a convenient solution for kitchens looking for both flavor and value...

Salmon Evolution Achieves Record Harvest and Strong Financial Results in Q4 2024

Salmon Evolution said it generated NOK 149.5 million ($13.3 million) in revenues for the final quarter of 2024, translating into a group EBITDA of NOK 9.2 million and a Farming EBITDA of NOK 15.3 million.

“We are very pleased by ending 2024 with a new harvest record and strong KPIs, highlighting the significant milestones we have achieved the last 12 months”, CEO of Salmon Evolution, Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen said. “2024 have further strengthened our position as the leading land-based salmon farmer globally...

The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

FDA Issues Oyster Advisory for Louisiana Area 3, Now 191 Confirmed Norovirus Cases

Today, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to restaurants and retailers for oysters harvested from Louisiana Area 3 between January 10, 2025, and February 4, 2025, due to potential norovirus contamination.  

The advisory follows a February 4 recall by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) for oysters harvested from Area 3. At the time, 15 diners had reportedly gotten sick after eating oysters from local Louisiana restaurants between January 15 and January 31.

According to an update from the LDH, there are now...

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...

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Combat Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Imports

US Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) announced that the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Britt led the bipartisan legislation, along with Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

The bill would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard...

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...

Two West Coast Leaders Want Help for Kelp, Reintroduce Bill to Restore Forests

In a pre-Valentine’s Day effort, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Jared Huffman are showing the West Coast kelp forests some love.

Both Democrats, Merkley from Oregon and Huffman from Northern California, reintroduced the bicameral Help Our Kelp Act of 2025 to improve conditions for kelp forests and marine life. The legislation would invest federal resources to address the ongoing crises that kelp forest ecosystems face in Northern California, Southern Oregon, and across the country, according to a press release...

Russa Looking to Boost Herring Catch in 2025 Significantly

Russia plans to significantly increase herring catch this year, which will increase supplies to the domestic and overseas markets and contribute to the decline in prices.

German Zverev, president of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), recently confirmed this. In an interview with the Russian Vedomosti business paper, he said Pacific herring catches are currently "on the rise" in Russia.

According to him, the volume of catch grew by 14% year over year last year and exceeded 450,000 tons. Since the beginning of the current year, according to VARPE...

Kroger Announces Leadership Transition as Todd Foley Retires and David Kennerley Takes Over as CFO

Todd Foley will retire as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kroger after 24 years with the company. Foley’s career at Kroger began as an audit manager, and over the years, he has held several key positions, ultimately stepping into the interim CFO role in 2024.

Effective April 3, Foley will be succeeded by David Kennerley, most recently of PepsiCo Europe. Kennerley will join Kroger on March 10 as Senior Vice President and will work closely with Foley to ensure a smooth transition...

Emily Menashes is New Acting Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries

In a quiet move that did not generate much news, former Deputy Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries is now Acting Assistant Administrator for the agency. Menashes has 24 years of experience working within the federal government on a wide range of coastal and ocean conservation and management issues. She replaces Janet Coit, whose tenure as head of the agency ended with the Biden administration.

As “acting”AA, Menashes is expected to be replaced by President Trump’s pick or that of his nominee for Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. Lutnick’s nomination ...

Canadian Countermeasures on Trump’s Tariffs Extend Throughout the Maritimes

Participants in some of the most inclusive and far-reaching fisheries, forestry and agriculture roundtables are showing unprecedented unity and resolve as they collectively prepare a plan of action for potential US tariffs and establish a long-term vision for growth and development,” the government of Newfoundland and Labrador wrote in a news release on Monday, February 10, 2025. Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture in NL, hosted a series of roundtables with representatives from the province’s three renewable resource sectors...