Seafood Expo Global 2025: Key Insights and Breaking News

And that’s a wrap on Seafood Expo Global (SEG)! The 31st edition, held at the Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Vía in Barcelona, Spain, concluded on May 8. However, the discussions and discoveries continue. Tune in to the latest episode of Catch the Current as host Amanda Buckle leads a recap of the event along with the Undercurrent News team.

For those who missed it, or prefer reading, we’ve got the full transcript below, packed with insights and links to more detailed coverage. Let’s dive in!

Conversations on Trade and Tariffs

Amanda Buckle (AB): This is Amanda Buckle, and you’re listening to Catch the Current. Joining me is Louis Harkell, who previously discussed the anticipation of meeting Chinese contacts amidst the ongoing Trump trade war. So, Louis, how have these conversations evolved on the floor?

Louis Harkell (LH): The tariffs have significantly impacted China’s seafood sector, particularly since the US is a major export market—around $2 billion last year, which constitutes about 10% of total Chinese exports. Discussions focused on tilapia, where about 30% of sales go to the US, totaling $420 million last year. Some companies reported shipping 90% of their containers to the US, making the 170% tariffs devastatingly impactful. They’ve been holding onto workers, hoping for negotiations to resolve the situation.

Industry Reactions

AB: Many people seem hopeful that the situation might improve; they often say, “I hope it’s temporary.”

LH: Exactly. There’s a feeling of uncertainty, especially with Trump’s unpredictable nature, making long-term planning challenging for many companies.

Breaking News: American Seafoods and GAPP

During the expo, it was announced that American Seafoods has ended its membership with the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP). This decision comes amidst a backdrop of GAPP’s funding initiatives aimed at expanding into markets like Colombia, Brazil, and India.

The move raises questions about the future dynamics of the Alaska pollock industry, especially given that American Seafoods previously benefited from GAPP’s initiatives, including a $1 million investment in 2019.

Other Major Developments

Editor-in-Chief Tom Seaman reported significant news regarding Pescafacil, a Spanish shrimp cooking company. Following the exit of its Venezuelan investors due to government tensions, the company is set to partner with Grupo Diosmar, an Ecuadorian shrimp processor. This development signifies a shift toward European markets as Ecuadorian companies seek to diversify away from reliance on China.

The GAPP booth at SEG 2025. Photo Credit: GAPP

Challenges in Global Markets

María Feijóo Ramos highlighted the plight of the red shrimp sector in Argentina, where high operational costs have halted all fishing efforts since the season’s start. In contrast, Ecuadorian producers report a 20% increase in Vannamei shrimp production with stable prices.

Ecological and Economic Uncertainty

MFR: The environmental challenges, including overfishing and climate change, are casting shadows over upcoming fishing seasons, particularly for squid in the Falkland Islands and Peru, as fluctuating stocks create obstacles for processors.

Looking Forward

The expo proved insightful, detailing the complexities facing the seafood industry. The ongoing conversations surrounding tariffs and market dynamics will undoubtedly shape the future landscape.

For more details and updates, tune into Catch the Current and explore our additional resources linked in the show notes.