Seafood Markets Mixed As Tariffs Drive Import Costs

Producers and processors should watch trade policy closely as tariff impacts ripple through seafood markets.

CATHERINE_PUCKETT_19_06_06_US_RI_OYSTER_WENCH_0008.jpg

Catherine Puckett (FarmHER S4, E8)

FarmHer, Inc.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV)— U.S. seafood markets are showing a blend of stability and firmness this week, according to Urner Barry.

Domestic shrimp prices are steady to firm as production slowly increases, while domestic browns remain steady but with a less-than-adequate supply.

Imported shrimp markets continue to climb, especially black tigers and whites, as tariffs and replacement costs push prices higher. Mexican shrimp markets are steady ahead of the new season, while Argentine red shrimp remain stable.

Catfish, both domestic and imported, are holding steady, though imports face tighter supplies. Atlantic farmed salmon prices are steady, while mahi-mahi and pangasius are firm on limited production and tariff-related costs.

In the whitefish complex, cod, pollock, and haddock all face supply challenges with steady-to-firm pricing. Premium species show similar trends: red king crab and Alaskan snow crab are strengthening on short supplies, lobster tails are firm, and lobster meats are seeing price increases.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Seafood buyers face rising costs on imported shrimp, crab, and some premium species due to tariffs and supply shortages, while domestic shrimp and catfish remain relatively stable. Producers and processors should watch trade policy closely as tariff impacts ripple through seafood markets.
Related Stories
Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how conflict in the Middle East is affecting spring planting as farmers navigate the evolving situation.
The Mosaic Company’s Keith Byerly shares smart input investment strategies, fertilizer considerations, and ways growers can manage risk heading into the 2026 growing season.
Ranchers have a lot going on at the moment, but some ‘friendly’ news could be coming with this month’s Cattle-on-Feed Report from the USDA.
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Peel says Mexico has a much greater capability to expand its beef industry than it did 20 or 30 years ago in terms of its feeding and packing infrastructure.
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
In a statement provided to RFD-TV News, a USDA spokesperson reiterated President Trump and the USDA’s commitment to farmers in difficult economic times.
Join the conversation on RURAL AMERICA LIVE — Tonight at 7:30 PM ET, only on RFD-TV.
Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.