Maine lobstermen fear they will become “collateral damage” of trade war

MAINE —

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) released a statement on Thursday, voicing concern about looming tariffs on American lobster.

Canada has announced it will impose a 25% retaliatory tariff on live and frozen lobster from the United States, including, of course, Maine, starting on Sept. 8, 2026.

The MLA says Canada buys roughly half of all lobster caught in Maine during the fall fishing season. The association says the tariff could have a major impact on the market in Maine overnight.

The MLA says lobstermen are already facing historically high operating costs and razor-thin margins. The group says a significant drop in prices would force many lobstermen out of the water.

“Maine lobstermen should not become collateral damage in a broader trade dispute. Losing access to such an important market at the height of our fall season could be devastating to fishermen and coastal communities,” said Patrice McCarron, MLA’s executive director.

The MLA is calling on the Trump Administration to act immediately to protect American fishermen and preserve tariff-free access for Maine lobster.

“Maine lobstermen produce a premium, sustainably harvested American seafood product. They need fair access to their markets and the ability to compete—not another economic burden that could keep them tied to the dock,” McCarron said.

In 2025, Maine lobstermen caught 78.8 million pounds of lobster, making it the smallest catch since 2008. The catch was worth about $461 million at the dock, with an average boat price of $5.85 per pound, the third-highest price on record.

Inflation hit the industry hard last year, and there were more than 21,000 fewer fishing trips than in 2024, according to Carl Wilson, commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Market uncertainty due to tariffs and a late start to the busy portion of the fishing season also played roles, he said.

On Tuesday, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said the tariff on lobster as part of what he called the President’s “misguided trade war” could devastate Maine’s lobster industry.

“If the President doesn’t relent, this hammer blow to hardworking Maine people would devastate the Maine lobster industry and leave many of these hardworking people literally high and dry,” King said. “Maine people are not interested in personal, retaliatory politics. They are focused on the high cost of goods here at home. The majority party must listen to the industry leaders here in Maine, put pressure on the President, and move forward with an economic policy that works for us and not against us.”