The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and a delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador fishery representatives will meet with key buyers to confront trade realities and secure strong markets for the sector at the Seafood Expo North America, which takes place March 16-18 in Boston, Massachusetts.
In 2024, approximately 65 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood was exported to the United States, valued at $890 million. Seafood from the province is highly desired by buyers because of Newfoundland and Labrador’s pristine ocean waters and stringent guidelines set by the federal and provincial governments, ensuring the highest standards governing food safety, resource management, sanitation, hygiene, and quality control. Leveraging the recently launched Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador campaign the team will further raise the profile of products from this province.
This event will be particularly important as the seafood industry contends with United States tariffs, trade uncertainties and disruptions. The primary objective of the show will be to maintain existing, strong relationships with United States buyers, while also reinforcing the value and need for United States partners to engage with their political representatives around the impact of the newly imposed tariffs on American consumers and industry.
Recognizing that market diversification will be imperative to the long-term sustainability of the seafood industry, the delegation will also place greater emphasis on promoting Newfoundland and Labrador products to the global marketplace and forging new international relationships at this year’s show.
The Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry has a large presence at Seafood Expo North America annually and the Provincial Government has played a key role in supporting that success. This year’s co-exhibitors in the Newfoundland and Labrador pavilion include, Whitecap International Seafood Exporters, Ocean Choice International, Barry Group Inc., Badger Bay Mussel Farms, and Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company Ltd. In addition, many other Newfoundland and Labrador seafood companies, as well as the supply and service sector.
The provincial delegation looks forward to productive conversations about market conditions and tariff realities with United States and international buyers, to forge a positive path forward for the sector.
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“The Seafood Expo North America in Boston is a key export development activity for our seafood industry and I look forward to constructive dialogue with buyers from across the United States and internationally. We know our world-class seafood products continue to be in high demand by United States buyers and, as our largest and most valuable trading partner, we expect to continue these positive relationships and work together to manage tariffs. This event also offers us an excellent venue to explore international relationships and opportunities to diversify markets going forward.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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