American shrimpers find a lifeline with tariffs

• President Donald Trump’s new tariffs triggered a $5 trillion market loss in two days and raised fears of inflation and recession, but struggling U.S. shrimpers see them as a potential lifeline. Domestic shrimpers, especially in the Gulf and South Atlantic, have long battled cheap, foreign imports that dominate over 90% of the U.S. market.

• The value of the U.S. shrimp catch has plunged — from $522 million in 2021 to $269 million in 2023 — forcing many operations to shut down.

• While American shrimpers support higher tariffs, others in the seafood industry are pushing back.

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For decades, U.S. shrimpers struggled to compete with a flood of cheap, foreign imports. Now, this industry is hoping the Trump administration’s new tariffs could finally level the playing field. At the same time, other American companies have warned of rising costs and shrinking profits as a result of that very trade crackdown.

Down in the Gulf and South Atlantic, shrimpers — many running family boats for generations — said they’ve been drowning in cheap imports for decades. Over 90% of shrimp eaten in the U.S. come from countries like India, Ecuador and Vietnam, where lower wages, fewer regulations and government subsidies make their shrimp far cheaper than wild-caught American shrimp.

The result has been a steep decline in prices, which has put significant pressure on the domestic shrimping industry. In 2021, U.S. shrimpers brought in $522 million in revenue.

By 2023, that figure dropped to just $269 million. Many shrimpers have been forced to shut down. In Alabama alone, the number of licensed shrimpers has declined by more than two-thirds since the 1990s.

American shrimpers celebrate tariffs

Now, with President Donald Trump’s tariffs aimed at foreign imports, domestic shrimpers have spotted a lifeboat and a potential second chance. Shrimpers said the tariffs are shining a spotlight on their struggling industry. They’re hoping consumers will recognize the quality of their product and understand that cheap seafood isn’t always better.

As shrimp remains the most-consumed seafood in the U.S., local producers said the higher prices soon to hit imported shrimp could save their livelihoods.

“We’ve watched as multigenerational family businesses tie up their boats, unable to compete with foreign producers who play by a completely different set of rules,” John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, said.

Seafood industry pushes back

While shrimpers support higher tariffs, others in the seafood industry are pushing back. The National Fisheries Institute, a trade group, warns that seafood tariffs can drive up prices and contribute to inflation.

A recent industry survey also found that rising seafood costs could lead consumers to dine out less and choose lower-priced groceries.

But even after $5 trillion vanished from the S&P in just two days after the tariff announcement, shrimpers are celebrating.

“We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s actions, which will preserve American jobs, food security, and our commitment to ethical production,” Williams said.