China is challenging the US's newly imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective February 4th, with a World Trade Organization (WTO) complaint and unspecified retaliatory measures.

This action follows a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican products, and an additional 10% on China, citing concerns about fentanyl flow to the US. China argues the tariffs violate international trade rules and rejects the fentanyl connection, highlighting bilateral anti-drug cooperation.

These new tariffs exacerbate existing trade tensions, adding to the nearly $350 million in annual tariffs imposed on Chinese seafood since 2018, which remain in place. While China's response is more measured than Canada's and Mexico's, the potential impact on seafood exports is significant. A 35% tariff on the US's $1.55 billion in Chinese seafood imports (2023 figures) could result in a $540 million loss. Frozen tilapia, a major export, is expected to be particularly affected, having already incurred $77.5 million in tariffs on $320 million worth of imports in 2023. The impact on previously duty-free seafood remains unclear.

Japan is assessing the tariff's impact before determining its response and has established a consultation desk for affected businesses. The tariffs coincide with China's Lunar New Year holiday, adding pressure on businesses. Exporters have prepared for the tariffs, but uncertainty remains regarding future price adjustments. The Chinese aquaculture industry is currently focused on inventory levels, with expectations that frozen inventory is not excessively high. Raw material prices have fluctuated, and while stability is hoped for post-holiday, exporter actions will be key.

Russian fishermen harvested nearly 580,000 metric tons of Iwashi sardine in 2024, a post-Soviet record.

VNIRO (the Russian Federal Fisheries Agency's State Research Center) scientists project continued stock growth and increased catches in the coming years.

This success is attributed to ongoing scientific expeditions that assess stock health and provide recommendations to the fishing fleet. Since 2014, Iwashi sardine populations have been steadily increasing.  The recommended 2025 catch is 1.215 million metric tons, well above current harvest levels. VNIRO data indicates this increased fishing pressure will not negatively impact stocks.

Scientific support plays a crucial role in optimizing fishing operations, reducing search time for fish concentrations, expanding fishing areas, and extending the fishing season.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

South Korea's frozen mackerel imports reached 12,082 metric tons in January 2025, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (9,693 metric tons).  This volume represents 16% of total seafood imports (75,350 metric tons).

Norway supplied the vast majority (96%, or 11,610 metric tons) of imported frozen mackerel, with China contributing 4% (449 metric tons) and the Netherlands less than 1% (23 metric tons).  The average import price per kilogram was USD 2.74 for Norwegian mackerel and USD 1.98 for Chinese mackerel

Click on the table to enlarge it

The total import value reached USD 32.67 million, a substantial 53% increase from USD 21.30 million in January 2024.  The average import price per kilogram also rose by 23% year-on-year, from USD 2.20 to USD 2.70. This surge in both volume and value is attributed to increased domestic demand and international market price fluctuations.

For context, current domestic wholesale prices in South Korea for frozen Norwegian mackerel are approximately KRW 99,000 per 20kg for the 400/600 size range and KRW 98,000 per 20kg for the 300/500 size range.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

The Japanese government has vowed to continue supporting the fishery sector in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).

MANILA  — Japan has pledged continued support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (BARMM) fishery sector, providing a $4.79 million grant.

Collaborating with the FAO and BARMM's MAFAR, the initiative aims to boost sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, addressing challenges like post-harvest losses, declining production, and poverty.  

The FAO will provide technical support, training, capacity building, and infrastructure development, while also training MAFAR and local governments in fish stock monitoring and management.  

This program builds upon previous successful collaborations between the FAO and Japan in the region.

Following promising results from its pilot plant, OoNee has set its sights on building a 200 raceway urchin ranch in Oregon – helping to save kelp forests and produce a significant quantity of a prized seafood.

If you have ever been lucky enough to observe a kelp forest – fronds of seaweed rolling with the waves above and disappearing into the inky blue depths below – you may be able to understand the passion that drives conservationists and entrepreneurs alike to protect these unique ecosystems. Such is the drive of Aaron Huang, co-founder of OoNee – an Oregon-based sea urchin ranching startup.

Author: Calum Johnstone / The Fish Site l Read the full article here

Salmon Evolution is launching what is said to be the first Norwegian smoked salmon from a land-based facility.

The salmon will be marketed under its premium brand “Lofoten”.

According to the company, it is the first-ever smoked salmon consumer pack from a land-based facility to be launched in the Norwegian retail sector.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer l Read the full article here

Knut Ellekjær has decided to leave. HR, quality and sustainability director Kristin Hurum will take over as head of Norway's fourth largest salmon farmer.

Knut Ellekjær has decided to leave Cermaq after eight years as the head of Cermaq Norway's operations.

Kristin Hurum, 56, has a degree in business organisation and worked in the banking and consulting industry before she started at Cermaq. She is currently the director of HR, quality, and sustainability, and has worked at Cermaq for 14 years, first as the sustainability manager in Cermaq Group before her move to Cermaq Norway and her current position in 2014.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Karine comes from the position as Business Manager at Findus Norway, where she has been responsible for various customers in the value chain, QSR in the Nordics and other export-oriented businesses. With 12 years of experience from Findus and previous work at Nortura, she has gained solid expertise in marketing and sales, especially within FMCG, Foodservice and B2B.

Huge opportunities for existing and new products

She also has valuable experience from the American market, including through her responsibility for international customers at Findus and recently as project manager for a salmon retail project in the United States.

"I feel very privileged to be allowed to work to promote seafood products in the US at a time that can be demanding for the export industry", says Haraldsson

"The USA is a large market with unimaginable opportunities. I see five ways to build on the collaboration we have with exporters today and help them succeed with both existing and new products in the years to come," says Karine.

Haraldsson will take up her position at the Seafood Council on May 2. But already in mid-March she will participate in Seafood Expo North America (SENA) to get to know Norwegian exporters and the local value chain better.