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Trump’s Tariffs on Foreign Shrimp Imports Take Effect, Offering Hope to Struggling U.S. Industry

The new tariffs, including a 10% baseline levy, aim to combat decades of decline in the domestic shrimp industry and reduce reliance on imports, which account for 94% of U.S. shrimp consumption.

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PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LA - AUGUST 27: Nearly 600 pounds of shrimp from Acy Cooper's shrimp trawler are cleaned and weighed at a seafood dealer following a 12 hour plus overnight shift of shrimping on August 27, 2019 off the coast of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The Cooper family are four generations of fishermen and shrimping is their family tradition. With the Mississippi River at historically high water levels earlier this year due to severe flooding in the Midwest, the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in southern Louisiana has flooded the saltwater marshes with fresh water. The fresh water has driven crabs, shrimp and fish out of bays and marshes and out further to sea into saltier water where they can survive. According to a release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the spring shrimp season catch was down over 60 percent compared to the five-year average putting a strain on the fishermen who make their livelihood on the water. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Overview

  • President Donald Trump’s tariffs on shrimp imports officially went into effect on April 5, 2025, with a 10% baseline levy and higher reciprocal tariffs for certain countries.
  • The tariffs are designed to address trade imbalances and provide critical support to the U.S. shrimp industry, which has seen its revenue drop from $522 million in 2021 to $269 million in 2023.
  • Domestic shrimp harvesters, including organizations like the Southern Shrimp Alliance, have praised the move as a lifeline to rebuild the industry and preserve American jobs.
  • Critics of foreign shrimp production highlight unethical practices such as forced labor, environmental harm, and the use of illegal hormones, emphasizing the need for sustainable domestic alternatives.
  • While the tariffs are expected to slow imports and reduce dependence on foreign producers, challenges remain, including insufficient infrastructure to meet domestic demand and the need for long-term investment.