USTR Proposes Sweeping Tariffs on Global Food Suppliers Over Forced Labor

The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced late Tuesday that the Trump administration will impose additional tariffs on imports from 60 key US trading partners, citing failures to prohibit goods produced with forced labor that create an "unlevel playing field" for American agricultural and food producers.

USTR proposed 10-12.5% additional duties on products from major food suppliers, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the European Union, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia, and China, following Section 301 investigations initiated in March 2026.

"The failure of our most important...

Oregon Coastal Lawmakers Urge DEQ to Ease Pressure on Pacific Seafood Amid $3.2M Fine

A bipartisan group of Oregon coastal lawmakers is asking the state's Department of Environmental Quality to ease regulatory pressure on Pacific Seafood, which faces a near-record $3.2 million fine for alleged wastewater violations.

In a May 20 letter to DEQ Director Leah Feldon, seven members of Oregon's Coastal Caucus expressed support for Pacific Seafood's appeal of the April penalties and requested that DEQ stay enforcement while the company challenges the fines.

The enforcement action targeted three Pacific Seafood facilities: $2.9 million against the Charleston...

Agricultural Coalition Urges USMCA Renewal as Trade Negotiations Begin

As trade negotiations between the US, Canada, and Mexico begin, the Agricultural Coalition for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) organized a letter to trade leaders in all three countries urging renewal and strengthening of the trade pact.

The letter, signed by nearly 160 organizations in the agri-food sector, was sent to Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, Canada-US Trade Representative Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexico's Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.

"[USMCA] strengthens the resilience of our integrated agricultural markets...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Models Recalibrated as Market Conditions Shift

Country-level import estimates utilize low, mid, and high ranges based on standard errors from each modeling approach. Given market softness observed since April and weakness emerging in late May through June, Expana's estimates have been recalibrated using different scenario settings to better align with current conditions.

Modeling scenarios and accuracy framework

Based on customs official data and a model with greater than 96% accuracy, the seasonal export-led model has been adjusted to "high" settings for closer alignment with observed patterns. Previously, mid or low settings were utilized, but...

CDFW Investigation Nets Major Penalties for Restaurant's False Seafood Sourcing Claims

An upscale restaurant, part oyster bar, part local seafood advocate, a coffee cafe during the day, and a wine bar at night, complete with their own wine subscription service, was investigated for fraud, false advertising, and fishing violations, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in a bulletin released yesterday.

The investigation led by CDFW resulted in charges of unlawfully selling seafood while advertising its products as traceable, sustainable and lawfully sourced. The investigation found repeated violations of state and federal commercial fishing laws in 2020 and 2021...

California Senate Advances Dungeness Crab, Steelhead Reforms in McGuire's Fisheries Omnibus

California State Senator Mike McGuire's comprehensive fisheries legislation, SB 1393, cleared the California Senate on May 28 with bipartisan backing, advancing key reforms for the state's commercial fishing industry.

The omnibus bill targets three priority areas: strengthening steelhead trout fishing restoration programs by increasing habitat funding, modernizing Dungeness crab fishery management regulations, and establishing clear vessel transit rules within closed crab fishing areas.

California's commercial and recreational fishing sectors support over 100,000 jobs and generate hundreds of millions in annual economic activity. The Dungeness crab fishery alone, concentrated...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Holiday Reset Brings Value Back to the Center of the Case

Grocery merchandising is settling into a post-holiday rhythm as promotional activity shifts back toward value, versatility, and the everyday traffic drivers following the Memorial Day push.

Staples such as bacon, chicken breasts, and ground beef continue to anchor store traffic, reinforcing the meat case’s role in everyday meal planning. While current merchandising remains focused on routine household needs, retailers are expected to increase seasonal promotions and feature activity as Father's Day and the Fourth of July draw closer.

In beef, chuck cuts posted the...

ANFACO-CYTMA Raises Concerns Over Canned Tuna Liberalization in EU-Mexico Trade Deal

ANFACO-CYTMA is seeking clarification from European policymakers after canned tuna was included in the scope of full tariff liberalization under the newly modernized EU-Mexico trade agreement.

The agreement, signed on May 22, would remove tariffs on canned tuna after a seven-year transition period, subject to approval by the European Parliament and ratification by EU member states. The move has drawn concern from the seafood industry association, which argues that canned tuna has traditionally been considered a sensitive product within...

National Fisheries Institute Expands Pipeline of Board-Ready Seafood Leaders

The nation's leading trade association for the seafood industry completed its second year of a visionary program to prepare seasoned seafood professionals to serve on corporate, nonprofit, community or national boards.  

Launched in 2025 as part of the National Fisheries Institute’s Strategic Plan, the program brought seafood leaders into boardrooms to help shape policy conversations, guide organizations, and advocate for the future of the industry,  all while bringing their expertise to the boardroom.  

“This program is developing a strong pipeline of leaders for the seafood ecosystem,” said Lisa Wallenda Picard...

SalmonChile Expands Industry Network with New Member and Stronger Agricultural Partnerships

SalmonChile is strengthening collaboration across Chile’s salmon value chain through both the addition of a major industry supplier and renewed engagement with the agricultural sector.

The trade association recently welcomed Grupo Salmovac as its newest member, adding a company with two decades of experience in aquaculture logistics, salmonid inoculation and industrial services in southern Chile. The move reinforces SalmonChile’s role as a hub for producers and suppliers supporting the country's salmon industry.

"We are very happy to welcome Grupo Salmovac to our guild. Their incorporation not only strengthens...

Breakthrough for Seaweed Farming in the Baltic Sea, Full Life Cycle of Gutweed Farmed Successfully

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully cultivated the seaweed through its entire life cycle in brackish water. 

Macroalgae like Ulva intestinal, commonly known as ‘gutweed,’ can be used as human food (supplements containing gutweed are already on the market), along with many other uses. The breakthrough was to propagate a small amount completely through its life cycle, not an easy prospect with most other macroalgae. 

The study is called “Exploring uncharted waters of future crop systems: Pioneering Ulva intestinalis seedling development for...

Louisiana All In for More Shrimp Buys as USDA Triples 2027 School Meals Budget

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child Nutrition Program, in recent years budgeted at $17-25 billion, is up for a significant raise in 2027 to 81 billion, as detailed in a statement from the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

Their press release announced that in mid-May the Louisiana House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 205 to “[u]rge and request the United States Department of Agriculture to utilize the Commodity Procurement program under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment...

Gorton's Seafood Workers in Massachusetts Ratify New Three-Year Contract

Members of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union who work at Gorton's Seafood in Gloucester, Massachusetts, ratified a new three-year contract, the UFCW announced May 27.

According to the UFCW, the roughly 240 union employees make frozen fish sticks, among other products, and are the main supplier of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwiches along the East Coast. The agreement covers other roles beyond seafood processing, including sanitation.

Gorton's of Gloucester, founded in 1849, is one of America's oldest seafood companies and a pioneer in the frozen fish...

Bipartisan Bill Targets Aquatic Invasive Species Threatening US Fisheries

Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) introduced the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act on May 19, marking the most comprehensive modernization of federal invasive species policy in decades.

The legislation addresses mounting economic and ecological damage from species like zebra mussels, invasive Asian carp, and sea lamprey, which impose billions in annual costs on US fisheries, water infrastructure, and recreation industries. The bill prioritizes prevention and rapid response while improving coordination across federal, state, and regional programs...

Japanese Feed One to Reduce Fishmeal Content of Aqua Feeds from 40.5% to 30%

At its May 2026 earnings call, Hidehiro Shoji, President and Representative Director of Japanese animal and aqua feed producer Feed One Co. Ltd., outlined a two-pronged strategy to reduce fishmeal content in its aqua feed products from 40.5% to 30% this fiscal year ending March 2027, marking what he called "an extremely groundbreaking initiative in the industry."

The company is actively seeking to reduce its fishmeal dependency since prices for fishmeal have skyrocketed to over ¥400 per kilogram (approximately $6.01)

Blumar Q1 Profit Boosted by Fishing Gains as Salmon Business Weighs on Results

Blumar reported profits of $15.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong results in fishing that offset continued weakness in salmon. The fishing business contributed $18.8 million to net income, while salmon posted a loss of $3.1 million.

Consolidated revenues totaled $192.5 million, down 8% from a year earlier. EBITDA pre-fair value reached $34.4 million, a 3% decline, and net income was 44% lower year on year. Segment results continued to diverge, with...

DAERA Seeks Views on Fisheries Management Proposals for Protected Offshore Marine Areas

DAERA has today launched a consultation on the development of fisheries management measures to protect conservation areas offshore.

The consultation is aimed at organisations, groups, and people engaged in activities, or have a general interest in the marine area beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast.

Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: “Our seas support livelihoods, communities and a vital fishing industry, and it is essential that we are proactive in taking action that protects ecosystems and fish stocks for future...

Senators Question Seafood Certification Programs Over Safety Failures

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are demanding answers from major seafood certification programs about recurring safety failures among certified processors, according to a May 27 letter campaign targeting industry leaders.

The senators sent letters to the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, questioning how these programs address food safety gaps in certified supply chains. The inquiry stems from mounting evidence that certified processors continue shipping unsafe products to US consumers.

"Between August and October 2025, the FDA issued eight safety alerts on imported...

Peru Fishing Restrictions, China Supply Constraints Shape Marine Ingredients Market

Peru's anchoveta season continues to progress slowly under Coastal El Niño conditions, with authorities extending fishing bans in the north-central region through June 10 due to high juvenile abundance and warm sea temperatures.

The country, which accounts for 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production in normal years, implemented the precautionary measure on May 27 as part of ongoing efforts to manage anchovy biomass, according to IFFO Market Research Director Enrico Bachis.

Meanwhile, China's domestic marine ingredients production remains constrained following fishing bans implemented on May 1...

Sullivan Pushes Workforce Investment, Maritime Growth at Blue Economy Hearing

US Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) used a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing this week to highlight the growing importance of the US Blue Economy, calling for increased investment in workforce development, maritime infrastructure, fisheries management, and coastal industries to strengthen the nation’s economic and national security.

The hearing, titled “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies,” brought together industry and academic experts, including three Alaska-based witnesses representing seafood, marine research, and economic development interests.

Sullivan described the Blue...

Canada Seafood Farmers Push for Aquaculture Growth in Next Agriculture Policy Framework

Canada’s seafood farmers are urging governments to make aquaculture a bigger part of Canada’s next agricultural policy framework, arguing the sector could play a much larger role in food production, rural growth and exports.

In a March 30 letter sent ahead of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial ministers’ meeting in Halifax, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance and seven provincial aquaculture groups called on federal, provincial and territorial leaders to adopt a “Grow Canada” approach that treats aquaculture as a strategic growth industry.

The industry...

NOAA Seeks Comments on Electronic Logbook Requirements for Gulf, South Atlantic Commercial Vessels

NOAA Fisheries is requesting public comment on a proposed rule requiring commercial vessels to submit fishing reports electronically rather than through paper logbooks, with the comment period running through June 25.

The rule would affect federally permitted commercial fishermen targeting Gulf Reef Fish, South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo, or Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources. Currently, these operators must complete and submit paper logbooks within seven days of each fishing trip.

Under the proposed electronic system, fishermen would use NOAA-approved software to submit...

Brim Sells Polar Seafood Denmark Stake for $144M

Iceland's Brim sold its 50% stake in Polar Seafood Denmark A/S to co-owner Polar Seafood Greenland for DKK 925 million ($144 million), the company announced June 3.

Brim initially purchased the stake in the Danish seafood sales, processing and export company in 2022 for DKK 625 million, generating a DKK 300 million gain on the sale. The companies will continue working closely together despite the transaction, Brim said.

Separately, Brim sold its 43% stake in Icelandic fishing company Melnes in Rif on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to KG Fiskverkun...

ANALYSIS: Two Weeks of Firm Prices as Supply Loss Tightens the US Crab Meat Market

The US crab meat market has experienced a decisive shift toward firmness over the past two weeks, driven by structural supply constraints stemming from NOAA Fisheries' May 11, 2026 MMPA comparability findings. The regulatory decision eliminated two major suppliers—the Philippines and Venezuela—representing approximately 17-22% of traditional import sources, a reduction occurring...

As Whale Rules Loom, Research Shows Consumers May Pay More for Ropeless Lobster

Maine's lobster fishery supplies roughly 90% of the nation's lobster and remains one of the state's most important economic drivers.

Lobstermen harvest their catch using traps connected to surface buoys by vertical lines. Federal regulators are considering changes to that system in an effort to reduce the risk of whale entanglements through the adoption of ropeless fishing gear.

The proposal is aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale, one of the world's most endangered large whale species. According to the University...

Japan's April Marine Products Import Fell 6% in Volume, but Increased 3% in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on May 28th, April imports of marine products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) were down 6% year-on-year to 181,057 tons. While imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased, imports of salmon, trout, and shrimp decreased. The value of imports increased 3% to 184.977 billion yen ($1.16 billion).

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased...

Cermaq Consolidates Canadian Operations Into Single Entity Following $1B Grieg Integration

Mitsubishi-owned salmon farmer Cermaq is streamlining its expanded Canadian operations through a June 1 subsidiary amalgamation, creating a unified structure five months after completing its $1 billion acquisition of Grieg Seafood's North American assets.

The consolidation merges three entities—CQ Canada Holding Ltd., Cermaq Canada Ltd., and Cermaq Seafood BC Ltd.—into Cermaq British Columbia Ltd., with CAD 224 million in capital. CEO Steven Rafferty will serve as director of the Campbell River, BC-based entity...

Russia-Norway Scientists Meet to Set 2027–2028 Fish Catch Limits

Russia and Norway will continue their fisheries cooperation this year despite existing geopolitical tensions between the countries.

Both Russian and Norwegian scientists will continue regular meetings and discussions aimed at regulating fishing activities in the Barents Sea and conducting joint research to increase the efficiency of fisheries operations.

Recently, specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography—one of Russia's leading fisheries research institutions—participated in the annual meeting with Norwegian scientists to examine the current state of the Barents Sea ecosystem and ongoing changes...

More Certifications Ahead From an Emerging Trend — Fish Welfare, Says Friend of the Sea

Fish welfare is emerging as one of the most significant issues in the global food sector, at a time when more than half of the fish consumed worldwide now comes from intensive farming. 

Friend of the Sea and World Sustainability Foundation have collaborated with Fair Fish and Fish Etho Group to develop 24 species-specific standards for aquaculture operations that improve stocking density, water quality, stress management, and slaughter methods. 

That initiative is also supported by the Fish Welfare Project, launched in 2017 by FOS and...

EU: Commission Approves €54 Million Spanish State Aid for Agricultural Companies

The European Commission has approved a €54 million Spanish State aid scheme to support agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026. The scheme covers higher diesel prices from late March to late June and will run until 31 December 2026.