Trump’s tariffs welcomed by Gulf Coast shrimpers: ‘This industry is dying’

While shrimpers want higher tariffs, others in the seafood industry have opposed them. Maine’s governor has raised concerns about retaliation from Canada, the state’s largest trading partner. The National Fisheries Institute, a trade association, are also wary of seafood tariffs, noting that they could cause inflation. 

John Sackton, an industry analyst who runs a publication called Seafood Source, cited a recent survey showing that consumers are likelier to cut back on restaurant dining and buy less expensive groceries when they are trying to spend less. 

“We depend on people hitting the seafood counter instead of walking by,” he said. “If this economic sort of headwind follows through, seafood is going to be hurting a lot.”  

Regardless of what happens with tariffs, some relief could be coming soon for Bayou La Batre as another main industry, shipbuilding, is set to grow. A shipyard expansion is expected to create 136 jobs over the next few years.  

Standing on the porch of his net shop, a former church, Barnes said he prays that things will get better for shrimpers. He figures he’ll have to see Wednesday. 

“People are going to be happy or sad one or the other,” he said. “I hope we’re some of the happy people.”