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.

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:

Larger operations maintain cost advantages, while softer equipment sales suggest producers are pacing machinery upgrades amid tighter margins.
Transportation access, legal disputes, and fertilizer freight costs will directly influence input pricing and grain movement in 2026.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln ag educator Matt Kreifels discusses his recent FFA Alumni award and the future of ag education.
Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.
Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.
Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.