Canada Removes Seafood From U.S. Tariffs

Canada proposed retaliatory tariffs targeting more than 700 U.S. products, including seafood, in response to U.S. measures, threatening Maine’s lobster markets and the cross-border supply chain. Maine lobstermen and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association warned the duties could devastate the fall market and depress prices for fishermen. After feedback, Ottawa announced select adjustments, removing seafood and fish products from the tariff list while maintaining duties on other U.S. goods. The reversal came amid pressure from east-coast aquaculture firms and concerns about broader economic harms and political implications for Maine, with trade officials indicating the aim to protect the supply chain. Tariffs are still slated to begin on Sept. 8 for remaining products, a development welcomed by seafood stakeholders who want to preserve tariff-free lobster trade and by Canadians seeking to avoid broader economic harm. Separately, stakeholders criticized not being consulted on the tariff decision, noting the sector’s multi-billion-dollar cross-border trade and the potential impact of counter-tariffs on Canadian seafood exports.