October 9, 2019 — The theme coming out of Alaska seafood’s annual meeting is — no surprise — tariffs.
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute opened its All Hands On Deck meeting today in Anchorage with annual updates from its program directors, followed by public meetings for species committees and the Responsible Fisheries Management program.
International Program Director Hannah Lindoff opened her update with a slide detailing the current state of U.S./China tariffs.
“This is the most up to date information,” said Lindoff. “But if anyone is on Twitter and something changes, please let me know.”
Although most products in Alaska’s portfolio are exempted from U.S. tariffs on Chinese exports — salmon, pollock and Pacific cod — competition in the global marketplace makes tariffs disadvantageous for any fisheries affected by additional duties.
For example, Alaska contributes 10 to 15 percent of the global supply of red king crab. Russia supplies about 70 percent. Alaska’s red king crab quota is down 12 percent for 2020. Golden king crab and snow crab quotas are up 13 and 23 percent, but the tanner/opilio fishery is shut down for the year.