As foreign shrimp flood U.S. markets and federal protections waver, Gulf Coast shrimpers fight to keep a centuries-old industry alive.
At a Glance
- Gulf Coast shrimpers face steep losses due to cheap foreign imports
- Over 90% of U.S. shrimp is now imported, mostly from Asia and South America
- Shrimpers are calling for a 25% cap on imports and stricter federal testing
- A 90-day tariff reduction has raised concerns despite past relief
- Local advocates hope tariff revenue will be reinvested in the domestic industry
Local Shrimpers Slam Imports, Plead for Help
Along the sun-soaked docks of the Gulf Coast, American shrimpers like Rodney and Thomas Olander are fighting to keep a sinking industry afloat. Once a pillar of coastal economies, domestic shrimpers now find themselves outpriced and outpaced by an influx of cheaper foreign shrimp flooding in from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
In recent years, over 90% of shrimp consumed in the United States has been imported, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance. That flood of product has tanked prices, slashing market value for domestic shrimpers by nearly 50% and forcing many out of business. Equipment costs continue to rise, while profits dry up.
Watch NBC News’ look at Gulf shrimpers’ tariff battle and rising seafood costs.
Rodney Olander warns, “You’re going to have a glut of shrimp on the market and our price will never rebound.” His brother Thomas, echoing the determination of many in the community, adds, “We only have one way left to go now, and that’s back up.”
Tariff Confusion Clouds Hopes
Under President Donald Trump, temporary tariffs on imported shrimp provided a brief lifeline. The administration imposed levies on Vietnam, Indonesia, and India—major exporters—giving domestic shrimpers a price edge. But a recent 90-day tariff reduction, maintaining a blanket 10% for 75 countries, has sparked confusion and concern among local fishers.
“It’s like the sun coming out of the tunnel,” shrimper Frank Parker said, describing the moment tariffs were first introduced. He invested in new equipment with hopes of turning the tide. But as policy shifts once again, Parker and others worry the momentum is fading.
While federal lawmakers like Rep. Clay Higgins are urging tariffs as high as 100%, shrimpers say trade policy alone won’t save them. They’re asking for stricter import testing and regulations to prevent foreign investments from undermining their way of life.
Industry Calls for Long-Term Fix
Many shrimpers argue that tariffs should not only level the playing field but also generate funds to support domestic operations. Some advocate channeling tariff revenue back into programs to modernize the fleet and strengthen local economies.
Craig Wallis, another Gulf fisherman, bluntly summed up the stakes: “We don’t get any subsidies here. We don’t need any help from the government. What we get for our product is what we have to make it on.”
Despite daunting odds, the Gulf shrimping community remains hopeful. Videos like “Trump tariffs: Louisiana shrimpers say tariffs help with business” have gone viral, drawing national attention to their plight.
For now, as they cast their nets each morning, shrimpers across the Gulf cling to resilience. They know the ocean can be unforgiving—but so is giving up.
