Brazil seafood exports seen at $600 mln after U.S. tariff relief, Abipesca says

Brazil’s seafood exports are expected to reach about $600 million globally following a U.S. Supreme Court decision to suspend tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Brazilian Fish Industry Association (Abipesca) said.

Even if a tariff of around 15% remains in place, Brazil would regain the ability to compete in the U.S. market under more balanced conditions, the industry group said.

Data provided by Datamar via the DataLiner platform reveals that Brazil exported 1,495 TEUs of seafood products—including frozen meats and processed preparations—to the U.S. in 2025. This volume represents a 10.5% decline compared to the 2024 year-end total.

The following chart offers a month-over-month comparison of outbound shipments of fish and seafood products to the U.S. from January 2022 through December 2025.

Fish & Seafood Exports | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Abipesca expects partial normalization of trade conditions to support renewed growth through 2026, with an estimated recovery of more than 5,000 jobs and a rebuilding of production capacity across the sector. Tilapia, Brazil’s leading seafood export to the United States, is expected to be among the main beneficiaries.

Association President Eduardo Lobo said tariffs of up to 50% imposed by the administration of then-President Donald Trump in 2025 severely undermined the competitiveness of Brazilian exports, leading to lost international contracts, lower output, reduced aquaculture activity and job cuts throughout the supply chain.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday (20), which invalidated the use of IEEPA for broad-based tariffs, marks the beginning of a more favorable environment for Brazil’s seafood industry, Abipesca said, though uncertainties in global trade remain.

“It is a year that begins on a promising note for the sector, but always with responsibility and caution, and with the goal of achieving zero tariffs,” Lobo said.

He also highlighted efforts by Brazil’s Agriculture and Fisheries ministries to open new export markets during the period of heightened U.S. tariffs.

“Without that effort and the opening of new markets, the losses would have been even greater,” Lobo said.

Source: Jornal do Comércio 

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