China's recent implementation of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian seafood products has cast uncertainty over New Brunswick's economy. These tariffs went into effect on March 20, 2025. From their key exports of lobster, snow crab, and shrimp to niche catches like sea cucumber, whelk, and mollusk, they go after it all. Not coincidentally, Canada just slapped a 100 per cent surtax on Chinese-made EVs. It included a 25 per cent surtax on steel and aluminum, leading to creation of these new duties.
This is fantastic news, both for New Brunswick and for the advancement of clean transportation across the country! In 2023, the province exported $87.8 million in seafood to China. As one of the province's primary export markets for seafood, China's trade actions threaten to disrupt local industries that heavily rely on this international trade relationship. Although the Chinese market is becoming increasingly important, it’s not a more vital export destination than the United States for New Brunswick.
In Canada, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has been raising the alarm about the economic cost of these tariffs. Premier Holt has called these tariffs “worrisome and monumental,” and emphasized the likely effect on the province’s lucrative seafood industry. You can even join Holt’s call on the federal government to better and more actively involve itself with New Brunswick. This as negotiations with China continue to advance. The goal of these talks, as with all tariff diplomacy, should be to have the tariffs removed and find a return to business as usual.
The future effect of these duties highlights the linkage of international trade policies and their impact on local economies. New Brunswick’s seafood industry comprises a colourful mix of products. Right now, it stands at an even greater disadvantage due to the current trade spats. The tariffs extend across a broad swath of goods. Consequently, every corner of the industry—from those big-name stars to that rarefied indie talent—may feel the economic pinch.
The tariffs are a heavy blow. They highlight the critical need for coordinated, strategic engagement between Canadian and Chinese officials. These negotiations are critical to addressing trade disputes and lessening the economic impact for affected areas such as New Brunswick.
