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Salmon processing plant in Alaska. (Photo: ASMI)
China's retaliatory tariffs concern Alaska seafood entrepreneurs and legislators
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 00:50 (GMT + 9)
Alaska’s seafood industry officials and legislators have expressed concern about the possible negative effects additional export tariffs from China may have on the state’s seafood economy as a retaliation due to the measures set by the American Government.
After the United States released a list of Chinese goods on which it will place a 25 per cent tariff, China announced reciprocal tariffs on US exports, including Alaska seafood.
“I have been very focused on increasing Alaska seafood-export opportunities globally,” Alaska’s senator Dan Sullivan said in a statement committed to fighting for fishermen’s ability to export their world-class products.
“A tit-for-tat trade war between the United States and China will negatively impact both countries. But, in many ways, we’ve been in a trade war with China for years, as they continue to engage in unfair and nonreciprocal trading practices that harm American workers, including those in Alaska’s fishing industry,” he argued.
For her part, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski claimed it is imperative for their seafood industry to continue competitively exporting their products all over the world.
Murkowski urged President Trump to work with China toward a trade policy that protects those markets.
Meanwhile, an Alaska delegation sent a letter to President Trump urging him to exempt their state’s seafood from ongoing trade battles with China.
Alaska Governor Bill Walker also said he is concerned about this most recent development and will continue to work with China to maintain a positive trade relationship.
Walker said he will be meeting with leaders from both governments next week in Washington to avoid any further “unnecessary trade war.”
On the other hand, Alexa Tonkovich, executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), says officials don’t know if the tariff will include all Chinese imports — including products that are processed and exported to other countries, or just fish and shellfish that are consumed in China.
“Currently, we do not yet know the full impact these increased tariffs will have on Alaska seafood exports, but we are working with other US seafood industry trade groups and our China ASMI office to evaluate this issue,” pointed out an ASMI representative.
ASMI committed to continuing to monitor the situation and work towards their goal of increasing the economic value of Alaska seafood overseas and at home.
Related article:
- China’s new tariffs worry North Pacific seafood exporters
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Photo Courtesy of FIS Member  ASMI - Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (Headquarters)
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