The latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the perishables and seafood industries. Canada and Mexico now face a 25% tariff on most exports to the U.S., and China sees an increase from 10% to 20% retroactively. These sweeping changes affect everything from fresh produce to frozen seafood, driving up costs for importers, complicating supply chain logistics, and putting pressure on an already volatile global trade environment.
For industries that rely on cross-border trade, this isn’t just a policy shift—it directly impacts cost structures, logistics planning, and market stability.
Why This Matters for the Perishables & Seafood Industry
The impact of these tariffs isn’t just a theoretical economic shift—it’s real dollars, real delays, and real supply chain disruptions. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Increased Costs on Canadian & Mexican Imports—A 25% tariff on seafood, fresh produce, and other perishables means that U.S. buyers will either absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers. A 10% tariff on Canadian energy products will further increase fuel and refrigeration costs, adding another layer of expense to logistics operations.
- Tariffs on China Add Up Quickly – Many seafood products, including shrimp, tilapia, and other frozen imports, now face a 20% tariff—a cost that will be retroactively collected on shipments that arrived since February 4. Importers will be scrambling to reconcile these unexpected expenses.
- Supply Chain Disruptions & Border Delays – Customs clearance for perishable goods must be fast and efficient, but these new tariffs could create congestion and processing delays at ports and border crossings. Any seafood or fresh produce clearance delay can mean product spoilage, rejected shipments, and financial losses.
How Importers & Logistics Providers Need to Adapt
The perishables industry is in a tight spot with no grace period for goods in transit and no duty drawback allowed. Navigating this new trade reality requires proactive planning, strategic partnerships, and precise logistics execution. Here’s how:
- Reassess Supplier & Trade Routes – Companies sourcing from Canada, Mexico, and China need to evaluate the cost impact and determine if alternative markets or regional suppliers can help mitigate expenses.
- Work with Experienced Customs Brokers—Navigating rapid tariff changes, new duty classifications, and compliance challenges requires a trusted logistics partner who understands the perishables industry inside and out.
- Optimize Cold Chain & Warehousing Strategy – Efficient warehousing, proper cold storage solutions, and reducing unnecessary border delays will be key to maintaining quality and managing cost pressures.
- Plan for Retaliatory Measures – Canada and China have already announced counter-tariffs, meaning U.S. seafood and produce exports could soon face increased restrictions, further complicating international trade.
CFI Perishables: Keeping Your Supply Chain Moving Amid Trade Disruptions
At CFI Perishables, we don’t react—we prepare. Our expertise in customs clearance, cold chain logistics, and global trade compliance ensures that your shipments move efficiently, even in the face of new tariffs and regulations.
- Strategic customs planning to minimize clearance delays
- Optimized cold chain solutions to keep perishables fresh despite extended transit times
- Real-time tracking & compliance management to help businesses adjust to new trade policies
- Supply chain consulting to help importers navigate cost increases and alternative sourcing strategies
Tariffs and trade policies will continue to shift, but CFI Perishables ensures your supply chain stays resilient. Contact us today to strategize your next steps and protect your perishable shipments.
