Seafood organizations and companies had varied reactions to U.S. voters electing Donald Trump as president-elect on 5 November, which will likely have far-reaching impacts on the U.S. and global economy.
The new administration’s proposed policies on tariffs, inflation, and immigration are among the issues likely to impact global seafood trade.
Pembroke, Massachsetts, U.S.A.-based PanaPesca USA congratulated President-Elect Trump, “who represents the values of strength, resilience, and transparency – qualities we hold in high regard at PanaPesca,” the company said on LinkedIn.
“Like the seafood we proudly bring to tables across America, we believe in integrity, transparency, and honesty at every step of our journey. Here’s to a future built on shared principles and a commitment to excellence. Together, let’s make seafood – and America – great,” PanaPesca USA said.
PanaPesca USA Founder and President Michael Davis told SeafoodSource he believes a Trump presidency will benefit the country and Americans by helping alleviate increased fuel and food costs and wasteful spending, among other actions.
“The policies may not be geared toward the seafood industry. We are one of the biggest importers of squid in the country, and he raised the tariffs by 25 percent, which impacted everyone in the squid business,” Davis said. “But, when the rest of the country is growing, the economy is strong, and there is unity in the country – which was felt while he was there, in my opinion – there is better growth for everyone.”
The net effect will be an increase in customer and consumer confidence, Davis said.
Thue Holm, founder and managing partner of Aquafounders Capital in Kolding, Denmark, and co-founder and advisor at Atlantic Sapphire, said the Trump administration has the opportunity to grow recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) farms in the U.S.
“One of the biggest challenges of building in the U.S. is navigating its complex regulations, standards, and certifications. The construction sector is primarily focused on housing and infrastructure, making it particularly challenging to build manufacturing facilities,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “If Trump aims to bring manufacturing back, addressing some of these challenges will be essential to make factory construction more feasible.”
Because around 90 percent of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, there is a strong opportunity to ...
