Maine Lobstermen’s Association warns Canadian tariffs could devastate Maine’s fall lobster fishery
UPDATE: MLA welcomes Canada’s decision to remove seafood from retaliatory tariffs
A 25% tariff on American lobster would have severely disrupted one of Maine lobster’s most important markets at the height of our fall fishing season, putting downward pressure on the price paid to lobstermen and threatening an industry already operating on razor-thin margins.
“Keeping seafood tariff-free protects our shared supply chain and avoids unnecessary economic harm on both sides of the border,” said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
“We appreciate Canada’s decision to listen to the concerns raised by the seafood industry and remove seafood from these tariffs. We urge both governments to continue protecting the longstanding tariff-free trade in lobster that benefits fishermen, businesses and coastal communities throughout North America.”
ORIGINAL POST: The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) is deeply concerned by Canada’s announcement that it will impose a 25% tariff on American lobster beginning Sept. 8.
Canada is one of the most important markets for Maine lobster, purchasing roughly half of our lobster during the critical fall fishing season. A 25% tariff could disrupt that market overnight, putting significant downward pressure on the price paid to lobstermen.
The impact would be felt immediately on Maine’s docks. Lobstermen are already facing historically high operating costs, an increasingly difficult business environment, and razor-thin margins. If prices fall far enough, many simply will not be able to afford to fish.
“Maine lobstermen should not become collateral damage in a broader trade dispute. Losing access to such an important market at the height of our fall season could be devastating to fishermen and coastal communities,” said Patrice McCarron, MLA’s executive director.
The MLA urges the Administration to act immediately to protect American fishermen and preserve tariff-free access for Maine lobster before September 8. The Administration has pledged to strengthen America’s commercial fishing industry and keep U.S. seafood competitive. Protecting access to one of Maine lobster’s most important markets is essential to fulfilling that commitment.
“Maine lobstermen produce a premium, sustainably harvested American seafood product. They need fair access to their markets and the ability to compete—not another economic burden that could keep them tied to the dock,” McCarron said.
