China’s retaliatory tariffs could cripple Alaska’s seafood industry

A seafood stall in Qingdao, China, in 2015. China threatens to impose a 25% tariff on American seafood imports in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Alaska’s economy could suffer as a result of China’s 25 percent tariff on American seafood imports and that worries U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

China announced the new import tax Friday in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. They will take effect July 6.

In a written statement, Murkowski urges President Donald Trump to reach a trade policy with China that protects the export market.

Congressman Don Young also will ask the administration to ensure Alaska’s seafood industry is protected.

Sen. Dan Sullivan did not respond to an inquiry by deadline.

Loss of competitiveness

Alaska’s congressional delegation wrote Trump in May warning that a trade dispute could prompt China to retaliate against American seafood.

Their letter said a tariff could make targeted exports “uncompetitive in an instant.”

They also said the Chinese market for premium Alaska seafood is especially important because Russia banned seafood imports in response to U.S. sanctions in 2014.

Related stories from around the North:

Canada: China’s Arctic ambitions no threat to Canada, say experts, Radio Canada International

Finland: Quality key to Finnish food industry’s success in Asia, YLE News

Norway: Norway serves the world 36 million meals of seafood every day, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Fewer Russians doing cross-border shopping in Northern Norway, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Sweden Prime Minister tells Donald Trump U.S. tariffs “will hurt us all”, Radio Sweden

United States: Alaska Senator Murkowski irked at new tariffs and “confusing” Trump team, Alaska Public Media

Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media

For more news from Alaska visit Alaska Public Media.

One thought on “China’s retaliatory tariffs could cripple Alaska’s seafood industry

  • Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 09:54
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    How can I buy arctic cloudberries to be shipped to Florida. I underatand they would most likely need to be dried, and they will be expensive.

    They have been recommended for my two sons’ medical conditions.

    Warmly and with sincere appreciation,
    Cheryl Freestone

    Reply
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