The global seafood trade faces major disruption as geopolitical tensions and tariffs reshape the seafood supply chain, according to new market research from RaboResearch.
Seafood producers across Asia, particularly in the shrimp sector, are under mounting pressure as US and European tariffs drive up prices and restrict access to key markets.
Consumers are already seeing reduced availability of staple products, from shrimp to salmon, while businesses grapple with supply instability.
“The seafood industry is navigating a perfect storm of trade barriers, geopolitical risk, and supply chain fragility,” said Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Specialist – Seafood at RaboResearch.
“Strategic diversification, both in sourcing and market access, is no longer optional. It’s essential.”
Shrimp struggles
The shrimp sector has been hit especially hard, with US tariffs of up to 50% making Asian exports from India, Vietnam and Indonesia far less competitive.
As shrimp is America’s most consumed seafood, analysts expect demand to decline, while oversupply in secondary markets adds to global price volatility.
Other segments face similar challenges. Potential tariffs on Canadian salmon could destabilise North American supply chains, while Chinese tilapia diverted from the US is expected to flood African and Latin American markets, pressuring local producers.
Meanwhile, Russian-origin fish remains blocked in Western markets, further straining seafood processors and food service operators.
The RaboResearch report warns that unless the seafood trade adapts through diversification and local market development, the industry could see lasting structural disruption across the global seafood supply chain.
