FFAW and ASP Hold Joint Press Conference on Tariff Threat to Fishery
February 3, 2025
FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street and Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) Executive Director Jeff Loder held a joint press conference today in St. John’s to address concerns of membership regarding the threat of tariffs on the seafood exported to the United States. Street and Loder are calling for increased national and provincial coordination to develop solutions that will ensure a fishery in 2025, including increased investment in market diversification initiatives.
“Our number one priority is to ensure a fishery goes ahead this season. We have been at every table, working with Premier Furey and our provincial government to protect the fishery and mitigate effects of a potential tariff on seafood exports,” says Street.
FFAW-Unifor and ASP are both calling for increased coordination with the federal government to ensure our fishery is protected. Both parties are also requesting a dedicated, fisheries-only roundtable provincially, given the fishery is expected to be the primary industry affected by tariffs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Loder stated during the press conference that all parties must work together in a confidential manner to protect the fishery from the market implications of unfounded rumours. ASP is looking for increased investment in diversifying markets and exploring new product opportunities, to both address current tariff threats and protect the Canadian economy from future trade barriers.
The majority of Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab is exported to the United States, and as a result, may be significantly impacted by large tariffs. Moreover, between $1-$2 billion dollars is directly contributed to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy from the fishery, which equates to tens of thousands of Canadian jobs.
“Our Union’s current priority is to address the threat of tariffs and ensure a fishery goes ahead this season. But stability also means ensuring fish harvesters receive a fair, market-based price for their product. We will do everything we can to ensure our members’ livelihoods are protected,” concludes Street.