Bahamian Seafood Exporters Brace For U.S. Tariff Impact

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A 10 percent U.S. tariff on goods imported into the U.S. is expected to impact over 100 countries, including The Bahamas.

Industry officials warn that while the tariff seems small, Bahamian seafood export costs to the U.S. could rise by up to 30 percent once shipping and other fees are included.

Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance President Adrian LaRoda says the current season remains largely unaffected, but August’s lobster season will be the real test.

Adrian LaRoda – President, Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance
“U.S. customers could be paying as much as probably 40 to 50% more for our fisheries products than they would’ve been paying, you know, earlier this year. So that in itself could affect how much product is gonna be sold to the U.S. market.”

LaRoda says that kind of price jump could drive down demand from American buyers, making it harder for local exporters to move products and maintain sales volumes.

Adrian LaRoda – President, Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance
“Because if consumers, uh, the U.S. consumers are not purchasing the products from the 2024 season, then, you know, the buyers are definitely gonna be very cautious about the 2025 season.”

In the face of these challenges, LaRoda is calling on local fishermen to strengthen their presence in the domestic market.

Adrian LaRoda – President, Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance
“They’re coming up on the Easter season and right now there’s high demand for scale fish, particularly snappers and others. Other fish, you know, there’s a high demand for it. I’m trying to convince our guys now to let’s go back to some things we used to do before traditionally, where we supplied a greater volume of the traditional Easter fish.”

Still, the Fishers Alliance President says The Bahamas remains a strong player in the global seafood industry exporting a consistently high-quality product that competitors in Belize, Mexico, and even Africa struggle to match.

Adrian LaRoda – President, Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance
“We do have competition, and our competition in this region is Belize. Uh, to the point now that Mexico now is doing exports, but theirs are much higher than ours. Their taxes are much higher than ours. So, you know, we still have that advantage.”