2025-04-10T20:55:25.000Z

PALACIOS, Texas (AP) As American consumers and financial markets grapple with the uncertain landscape surrounding President Donald Trumps fluctuating tariff policies, one group stands out in their optimism: Gulf Coast shrimpers. These local fishermen and women are pinning their hopes on potential tariffs to alleviate the pressures their industry has faced in recent years.

The American shrimping sector has been significantly impacted by a surge of cheap imports that have flooded the U.S. market. This influx has driven prices down to alarming levels, often to the point where profits are nearly nonexistent. Many shrimpers find themselves in a precarious position, struggling not only to maintain their businesses but also to keep their livelihoods intact.

Reed Bowers, the owner of Bowers Shrimp Farm located in Palacios, Texas, articulated the struggles faced by many in the industry, stating, Its been tough the last several years that weve tried to fight through this. The challenging economic climate has forced shrimpers to make tough decisions, often leading to uncomfortable choices such as laying off workers, reducing hours, or cutting wages. Whatever we can do to survive, he added, highlighting the desperation of the situation.

According to statistics from the Southern Shrimpers Alliance, the shrimp industry has suffered gravely since 2021, with the value of imported shrimp dropping by over $1.5 billion. This decline has resulted in the U.S. shrimp industry losing nearly half of its market value, a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of the matter.

The shrimpers alliance argues that foreign shrimp producers have benefited from significant investments in shrimp aquaculture, while also exploiting cheaper labor that sometimes borders on forced labor conditions. Additionally, they point out the use of antibiotics that are prohibited in the U.S. and the minimal environmental regulations that govern overseas shrimp farming. Alarmingly, more than 90% of the shrimp consumed within the United States is imported, further complicating the landscape for domestic producers.

Bowers voiced a sentiment shared by many in his industry, saying, Im not a believer in free trade. Im a believer in fair trade. He emphasized the necessity for foreign producers to adhere to the same standards and regulations that U.S. shrimp farmers are obliged to follow, arguing for a level playing field.

Craig Wallis, owner of W&W Dock & Ice, has witnessed the evolution of the shrimping business since he began operating in 1975. He reminisced about a time when shrimpers could run their boats year-round, a luxury that is no longer financially viable due to the competitive pricing of shrimp imported from countries like South America, China, and India. Now, Im only able to run my shrimp boats about half the year, yet the bills keep coming every month, he lamented. Wallis also mentioned that he does not receive any government subsidies, relying solely on the market price of his shrimp to sustain his business.

Having cast his vote for Trump, Wallis expressed cautious optimism regarding the recent discussions about tariffs. I dont know where the tariffs are going to be settled at, he remarked, but its definitely going to help. However, he also highlighted a concern: the potential for increased costs of necessary equipment and materials due to tariffs, which could further strain their already limited resources. We gotta be careful that theres a good balance, he added.

Wallis foresees a concerning future for the Gulf shrimping industry if the current trends continue. He worried that the absence of American shrimpers could lead to foreign trawlers taking over operations in the Gulf of Mexicoa region Trump has previously referred to as the Gulf of America. As he approaches retirement, Wallis fears that the current state of the industry could jeopardize the future he has worked tirelessly to secure.

Phan Tran, whose family once worked in shrimping, made the transition from the sea to the restaurant business about 25 years ago, establishing Trans Family Restaurant with his father. It was just my dad, me, and one welder, he recounted with pride. Tran is dedicated to serving only domestic shrimp at his restaurant, expressing concerns over the quality and safety of imported shrimp. The taste, the size, you could tell the texture of the shrimp, everything... domestic shrimp versus imported shrimp, you could tell the difference, he asserted, emphasizing the importance of supporting local producers.

Tran believes that tariffs on imported shrimp will create a fairer marketplace for local shrimpers, reaffirming his commitment to buying directly from local fishermen as long as his restaurant business thrives. He reminisced about a time when his establishment displayed a sign stating, friends dont let friends eat imported shrimp, which was removed after some patrons took offense. But thats a true statement that we stand by here, he concluded.

Bowers, who remains hopeful for the future, stated, I think the price of imported seafood is gonna come up. And as that price comes up, itll make our seafood, our shrimp, more affordable for everybody else. With the ongoing discourse surrounding tariffs and the impact on the shrimping industry, many in the Gulf Coast region remain hopeful for a turnaround that would not only benefit their businesses but also provide a sustainable future for American seafood.