At Premier Catch, we’ve always said: Know your seafood. Know your fisherman.
But lately, more and more customers are asking: Why does the U.S. export so much of its wild-caught seafood… only to import lower-quality seafood from other countries? And what do these new tariffs mean for the fish on my plate?
Great questions — and ones we’re happy to answer.
The Seafood Trade Puzzle
Here’s the surprising truth: over 70% of the seafood caught in U.S. waters is exported, while over 90% of the seafood we eat in the U.S. is imported (NOAA Fisheries).
Wild Alaska salmon, Pacific cod, halibut, Dungeness crab — so much of our incredible catch is shipped overseas, often to be processed more cheaply, and sometimes sold right back to us.
Meanwhile, the U.S. imports a huge volume of seafood from countries with less transparent sourcing, fewer environmental protections, and sometimes questionable labeling practices (USDA ERS).
And now, with newly imposed tariffs on imports from China and other major seafood-producing countries, prices and supply chains are being impacted even further (SeafoodSource).
What This Means for You (and for Us)
While this may sound complicated, our response has always been simple: stay true to our roots.
Premier Catch has always — and will always — source 100% wild-caught seafood directly from U.S. fisheries.
That means:
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You're supporting hard-working American fishing families from Alaska to the Pacific Northwest.
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You’re getting the real deal — never farmed, never imported, and never processed overseas.
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You’re choosing seafood that’s not just sustainable and traceable — but genuinely good for your health and our oceans (Harvard School of Public Health).
Why It Matters Now
As global seafood trade gets more complicated, our mission only grows stronger.
Tariffs, shipping delays, and international processing challenges can create confusion and cut corners in quality. But when you choose wild, U.S.-caught seafood — and companies like Premier Catch that prioritize direct relationships with fishermen — you’re part of the solution.
You're choosing:
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Fresher, higher-quality seafood
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Better jobs and stronger coastal communities
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Less environmental impact and more traceability
Bottom Line?
Wild U.S. seafood is worth it — and so are the people who harvest it. We’re proud to support them, and we’re proud to serve you, shop now and stock up!
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