BOSTON—Seafood vendors from around the world voiced a mix of concern and optimism at the 43rd edition of Seafood Expo North America at the Boston Convention Center, held from March 16 to 18, in response to questions on looming tariffs, inflation, and other issues.
“We’re really nervous about the possibility of tariffs for imports into the U.S. market,” said Josh Goldman, CEO of Australis Aquaculture, a seafood company based in Massachusetts.
“Most seafood, of course, that Americans consume is imported from around the world. And so, particularly in the face of inflationary pressures, we’re hopeful that that does not come to pass, but watching it closely,” he said.
Goldman also noted that the business environment last year was challenging, as inflation slowed consumers’ purchasing decisions and drove up promotional costs.
Robert Gershberg, director of purchasing at seafood wholesaler SOGDA Limited, said that while sourcing more products locally is an option, speculation about tariffs tends to create confusion and stagnation in the market, ultimately driving up prices.
Meanwhile, a representative of Wood’s Fisheries, an American shrimp company founded in 1860, offered an optimistic outlook amid the possibility of tariffs. Ben Quarles, the company’s account manager, said that tariffs will hopefully provide a positive impact on the domestic seafood industry.
“We struggle as Americans with imports of shrimp coming into the country. So with our fingers crossed, we will see a shift in change, and the domestic suppliers on the Gulf and the boats will get a chance to really come back as an industry,” Quarles said.
This year’s Seafood Expo started with a keynote address by macro-economist and geopolitical financial expert Nomi Prins, who spoke on “Riding the Waves: Navigating Economic, Energy, and Trade Policies Impacting the Seafood Industry in 2025.”
From fresh and frozen seafood to food processing equipment, North America’s largest Seafood Expo showcases everything related to the seafood industry. The annual event attracts thousands of visitors to the convention center, where interactive demonstrations, product sampling, and networking opportunities fill the bustling space.
Dawn Murray, a sales representative for E. Gagnon & Fils, a seafood company from Canada, appeared unfazed by potential trade barriers.
“It’s hard to predict what exactly is going to be the effect on our business. But we’re confident, whether there’s tariffs or not, that we'll be able to sell our product, because we have such a fantastic fresh product that is known worldwide,” said Murray.
Ken Lok, president of Taiwan’s Land Young Foods Co., also emphasized the importance of quality. He said that if the United States imposes tariffs, it would affect all countries, but it wouldn’t necessarily harm seafood businesses from Taiwan.
“We have an advantage, because our products are exceptionally well-made and well-suited to American consumers’ preferences,” he said.
According to organizers of the Seafood Expo, this year’s exhibit space in the Boston Convention Center spanned nearly 250,000 square feet with more than 1,200 companies from 51 countries, including new participating countries Bahrain, Croatia, Ireland, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and the United Arab Emirates. There was also an increased presence from countries such as China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Norway, and Vietnam.
