Tariffs on tilapia rose to 45%

According to the tariff policy announced by US President Trump on the 27th, the United States will implement new tariffs on imports from China and other countries from March 4, which is expected to further affect the export of seafood such as tilapia.

The tariff adjustment announced by Trump shows that tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China will be increased to 25% respectively, and an additional 10% tariff on China will also take effect on the same day. This means that the tax rate on Chinese seafood, including tilapia, will rise from the original 25% to 45%. This policy will take full effect on April 2 and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on import and export trade.

Data shows that China's exports of frozen tilapia and its fillets to the United States will exceed 123,000 tons in 2024, an increase of more than 10% compared with 107,000 tons in 2023. At the same time, the export price is also on the rise, and the price per ton is expected to be US$3,384 in 2024, higher than US$2,846 in 2023. In addition to the US market, Mexico and Israel will continue to be important export markets for China's tilapia, with exports of 104,000 tons and 29,000 tons respectively in 2024, and prices will also remain at a high level, at US$3,480/ton and US$3,674/ton respectively.

Although tilapia exports have been growing steadily, the uncertainty of trade policies has put great pressure on China's tilapia exporters. According to industry analysis, many companies are pessimistic about the prospects of the US market, especially considering future tariff pressures and possible market shrinkage. According to an announcement issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), if you want to obtain tariff exemptions, the relevant goods must enter the United States before March 7, which is a severe challenge for many exporters.

Moreover, Trump threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods during his campaign, which further exacerbated exporters' concerns about future changes in tariff policies. In the fourth quarter of 2024, many exporters have begun to make early arrangements to try to ship a large amount of tilapia to the United States in advance. According to statistics, in December 2024, the United States imported more than 16,000 tons of frozen tilapia and its fillets from China, setting the second highest monthly import record in the past two years, showing that the US market still has strong demand for this product.

The following exhibitions will become a key node that Chinese tilapia exporters will pay close attention to. The seafood exhibition held in Boston, USA from March 16 to 18, 2025 will provide an important platform for exporters to showcase new products and explore market trends. Market observers believe that only by further understanding the latest developments in the North American market can companies adjust their export strategies and better cope with possible changes in the US market.

We are happy to discuss potential business opportunities and future tilapia trends with you, welcome meet up at Boston seafood expo, March 16-18,2025,our booth number is : 2647-3

Reference: FOODSPATH