Following the breakdown of trade negotiations and the implementation of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, Ottawa has officially announced $27.6 billion CAD in retaliatory duties targeting U.S. products. Broadly impacting the seafood sector, Canada will impose a 25% tariff on U.S. fish and seafood imports starting September 8.
Canada represents the largest trading partner for the U.S. seafood industry overall. In 2025 alone, cross-border seafood trade topped $5.1 billion USD – with $4.3 billion imported from Canada to the U.S. and $881 million exported from the U.S. into Canada.
U.S. SEAFOOD TRADE BALANCE WITH CANADA
U.S. Imports (from Canada): $4.3 Billion (2025)
U.S. Exports (to Canada): $881 Million (2025)
Total Bilateral Trade: $5.18 Billion
Imposing Duties: 25% Tariff on U.S. Seafood
Key Supply Chain Impacts for California Importers, Exporters, and Processors
The California Fisheries and Seafood Institute (CFSI) is analyzing the systemic effects this trade dispute will have across the seafood supply chain:
- West Coast Export Disruptions: California processors and wholesalers exporting finfish, salmon, tuna, and shellfish products to Canadian buyers will face immediate margin compression or lost orders once the 25% tariff hits on September 8.
- Integrated Supply Chain Friction: Much of the North American seafood trade relies on cross-border processing – where product harvested in one country is shipped across the border for processing and returned for final sale. Double-digit tariffs disrupt these integrated operations and inflate costs for processors and end-consumers alike.
- Risk of Further Escalation: With Washington threatening additional tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel goods, trade uncertainty threatens to prolong volatility in global seafood markets.
CFSI Action & Support
CFSI is actively working to protect California’s commercial seafood sector during this disruption:
- Customs & Logistics Guidance: CFSI will share updated customs guidance regarding product classification and duty schedules prior to the September 8 deadline.
- Promoting California Seafood: CFSI continues to champion West Coast fisheries and processors. We encourage members to leverage local sourcing networks and strengthen domestic distribution channels.
- Voice in Sacramento: CFSI is coordinating with regional trade associations and federal policy advocates to ensure our commercial seafood sector receives necessary regulatory flexibility and economic support during this tariff standoff.