Fisheries Council of Canada Responds to U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Seafood Exports

OTTAWA, ON: The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is deeply concerned about the 25% tariffs on Canadian seafood exports to the United States, a move that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers, businesses, and coastal communities across Canada.

“These tariffs represent more than just an economic challenge – they are a direct threat to the fabric of Canada’s seafood industry, potentially devastating families and communities that have depended on seafood exports for generations,” said Alberto Wareham, FCC’s Chair. “While the impact will vary from member to member, and across different species and regions, the harm will be widespread and severe. Some of our members are facing significant economic hardships with the probability of downsizing and layoffs, and in extreme cases the possibility of bankruptcy,” Wareham added.

FCC continues to advocate and call on both the Canadian and U.S. governments to:

• Pause the implementation of these tariffs and prioritize a diplomatic solution that protects workers, businesses, and the economic stability of coastal communities.
• Ensure countervailing measures are calibrated and do not exacerbate the impacts on the fishing industry.
• Identify and implement support programs and assistance that help develop alternative markets

The Canadian seafood industry is resilient, innovative, and committed to finding solutions. However, a 25% tariff would create unprecedented challenges for our many of our members, potentially forcing some businesses to reduce operations, cut jobs, or cease exports entirely. “One of the most common and consequential outcomes of the tariffs is that Canadian products will be rendered unsalable in the US. Other products may limp along the deeply integrated supply chain while loses accumulate at processing plants and with fishermen,” Wareham expressed.

The FCC remains hopeful that diplomacy will prevail and that both nations will work swiftly to resolve this trade dispute. We stand ready to provide any necessary support and expertise to facilitate a resolution that protects the interests of Canadian seafood producers. We continue working with the federal government in Ottawa to advocate for effective support to weather this storm and put in place lasting solutions that build a more resilient fishery industry.

“Our message is clear: These tariffs are not just a trade issue – they are a human issue that will impact real people, families, and communities across Canada and the United States,” Wareham concluded.

For additional information, please contact:
David Martinek
Manager, Public Affairs @ FCC
dmartinek@fisheriescouncil.ca

About FCC
The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) is the voice of Canada’s wild capture fish and seafood industry, promoting a healthy resource and prosperous industry playing a vital role in the Canadian economy. Our members include small, medium and larger-sized companies along with Indigenous enterprises that harvest and process fish from Canada’s three oceans.