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The ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa collapsed after the U.S. implemented 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. In response, the Canadian government announced a sweeping package of counter-tariffs targeting $27.6 billion CAD (~$20 billion USD) in U.S. goods, including a steep 25% tariff on U.S. fish and seafood products set to go into effect on September 8.

The targeted Canadian import list covers a wide range of live, fresh, and frozen species – notably live fish, tilapia, salmon, tuna, herring, and lobster.

U.S.-CANADA SEAFOOD TRADE OVERVIEW

U.S. Imports from Canada: $4.3 Billion (2025)
U.S. Exports to Canada: $881 Million (2025)
New Canadian Import Duty: 25% on U.S. Seafood

What This Means for California Producers

Canada is the single largest foreign trade partner for U.S. seafood, absorbing over $881 million in American exports annually. While the east coast shellfish and wild salmon sectors face immediate head-on friction, California’s aquaculture producers must anticipate two primary ripples across the supply chain:

• Domestic Supply Re-alignment: As exporting American seafood to Canadian buyers becomes 25% more expensive, domestic producers previously dependent on northern export channels will shift focus inward. California fish farmers will see increased market competition within domestic West Coast wholesale and food-service channels.
• The Domestic Advantage: On the flip side, trade volatility underscores the absolute necessity of a secure, sustainable domestic seafood supply. U.S. consumers and distributors seeking price stability will increasingly turn to local, high-quality farmed fish raised right here in California – where cross-border tariff disputes cannot disrupt delivery schedules or inflate farmgate pricing.

CAA’s Strategic Action Items

• Focus on Local Markets: CAA encourages members to highlight the regional origin, traceability, and sustainability of California-farmed species (sturgeon, bass, trout, tilapia, and catfish) when negotiating distributor contracts.
• Diversify Buyer Channels: If your farm currently supplies processing operations that re-export finished products into Canada, audit your buyer agreements ahead of the September 8 effective date.
• Advocate for Aquaculture: CAA leadership will continue working with federal and state trade representatives to ensure California farm-raised seafood is protected and included in future trade mitigation relief packages.