Lobster industry leaders from Canada, U.S. gather in Moncton to talk trade and tariffs

Lobster industry voices from America and Canada talked about trade and tariffs in Moncton.

Lobster fishermen and industry leaders from both sides of the Canada – United States border say they’re facing many of the same challenges, even as political trade tensions continue to create uncertainty for the industry.

Representatives from Maine and Atlantic Canada gathered in Moncton this week for the U.S. – Canada “Lobster Town Meeting,” where discussions focused on tariffs, global markets and the future of the fishery.

David Thomas, a lobster fisher out of Little Cranberry Island in Maine, has more than 50 years of experience.

“There’s a lot more, in common between the two countries in the lobster fishery than there are differences,” he said.

Thomas believes fishermen on both sides are trying to navigate similar realities – from processing and shipping pressures to changing markets – and stressed there is no rift between harvesters themselves.

“We’re all people in the world and trying to make a living, all trying to get by,” he said.

While there are differences in how the industry operates, including startup costs and currency exchange rates, Thomas believes success is possible on either side of the border for those who understand the business.

“I think politically there’s a huge rift… We’re all affected by it. Both sides of the border tariffs are terrible for business, certainly not a rift between the fishermen

That sense of cooperation was echoed by Canadian industry representatives attending the meeting.

Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance executive director Kris Vascotto also attended the Lobster Town Meeting.

“It was really interesting to watch our Canadian colleagues and our American colleagues both identify that the free flowing, movement of fish and seafood, specifically lobster in this case, across the border, was to benefit both nations,” said Vascotto.

When lobster flows freely between Canada and the United States, Vascotto says fishermen are able to retain more value at the wharf, creating a stronger supply chain for both harvesters and processors.

Beyond North America, international markets were also a key topic – particularly China.

Lobster Council of Canada president Geoff Irvine said the trade environment continues to change almost daily.

“We have the new China relief from the China tariffs coming up March 1st for at least the end of the year,” he said, adding it is welcome news for the industry.

Irvine said industry leaders are also looking at new and emerging markets as a way to reduce reliance on any single buyer.

Vascotto noted China represents roughly 40 per cent of Nova Scotia’s live lobster export market, and said lifting the tariff could mean more money flowing back to harvesters, deckhands and dealers.

Still, some in the industry say uncertainty remains.

Nat Richard, who represents lobster processors across Atlantic Canada, said about 80 per cent of processed lobster exports are destined for the U.S. market, making political trade tensions a major concern.

Richard said while renewed access to the Chinese market helps the live lobster sector, the agreement is limited in duration and offers no long-term certainty beyond the end of next year.

Despite those concerns, fishermen say stability, not politics, remains the priority.

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