Fishtown Seafood Faces Uncertainty Over Canadian Oyster Tariffs

Philadelphia – Bryan Szeliga, the owner of Fishtown Seafood, is facing a turbulent business climate due to uncertainties surrounding Canadian oyster tariffs. With three retail and wholesale locations in Philadelphia and Haddonfield, New Jersey, Szeliga relies heavily on Canadian oysters, which account for 60% to 70% of his oyster supply.

The Trump administration recently introduced a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, effective March 9, 2025, although this was followed by a short-lived suspension for certain items just days later on March 11. This erratic change in tariff policy has created widespread confusion and instability for seafood businesses like Szeliga’s, complicating essential business planning and operations.

Szeliga expressed concerns that if tariffs remain in effect, he may be forced to raise prices or reduce the variety of oysters available for his customers. The unpredictable nature of the tariffs disrupts effective strategies for business management, leading to what Szeliga described as an environment of “chaos and shock and awe.” In past instances of tariff implementation, suppliers have escalated their prices, which in turn strains Szeliga’s ability to offer competitively priced options to his clientele.

While Szeliga typically sources U.S. seafood from fish farms, he primarily relies on Canadian suppliers for oysters conditioned through larger aggregators. To maintain customer loyalty and business relationships, he has absorbed some of the tariff costs rather than passing them directly onto consumers. Despite initial tariff reductions, Szeliga anticipates that when tariffs are reinstated, prices will again rise, limiting the range of oysters he can offer.

In 2023, the U.S. seafood import market was valued at $25.5 billion, with Canada emerging as the largest supplier, contributing over $3.6 billion. U.S. seafood imports from Canada experienced a 10% increase in 2024, hitting approximately $3.96 billion. This growth indicates an increasing demand for oysters, which have become a staple on many restaurant menus. However, Szeliga fears that if pricing issues attributed to tariffs persist, this demand may begin to dwindle.

To navigate this challenging environment, Szeliga is planning to adjust his oyster inventory and collaborate with clients to mitigate disruptions. He may shift to different oyster sources or varieties to manage costs effectively. In a strategic move, he is likely to reduce the number of oyster options in his shop from 12 to around 10, aiming to maintain a sustainable offering that includes both high and low-priced choices.

The broader U.S. seafood industry is already grappling with limitations in domestic oyster production capacity, which presents a significant challenge since oysters require several years to mature. Ensuring a consistent supply of seafood necessitates making business decisions well in advance. Szeliga also warns that Canadian suppliers might choose to limit their sales to the U.S. market in response to the instability caused by tariffs, which could further constrain product availability and contribute to rising prices in the market.

As seafood businesses like Fishtown Seafood navigate the unpredictability of governmental policies regarding tariffs, the implications ripple through the supply chain, affecting not only prices but also the variety of products available to consumers.