The United States primarily gets the majority of its fish and seafood from international suppliers.
Reliance on Global Imports
To meet the robust and rising consumer demand for seafood across the nation, the United States significantly relies on global markets. Domestic production alone is not sufficient to satisfy the country's consumption needs, leading to a substantial volume of seafood being sourced from abroad.
Key Import Sources
A significant portion of the seafood consumed in the U.S. comes from foreign countries. Approximately 80 percent of the estimated seafood consumption in the United States is imported. These imports primarily originate from a diverse range of global suppliers.
The leading countries contributing to the U.S. seafood supply include:
- Canada: A neighboring country, often a key trade partner for various goods, including seafood.
- Chile: Known for its robust aquaculture industry, particularly for species like salmon.
- India: A major global producer and exporter of a wide variety of seafood products, including shrimp.
- Indonesia: A key source, especially for shrimp and other tropical species often consumed in the U.S.
- Vietnam: Another significant player in the global seafood trade, renowned for its exports of pangasius (basa/swai) and shrimp.
This substantial reliance on international trade ensures a steady and diverse supply of fish and seafood products for American consumers, complementing domestic catches and aquaculture.
