Chile's seafood sector hit by jurel scarcity and new US salmon tariff

Rising sea temperatures linked to climate change and the El Niño event have altered the migration pattern of jurel (horse mackerel) off Chile’s coast. The species now moves to deeper, cooler waters, cutting national catches to roughly 28 % of the annual quota. In the Biobío region, about 80 % of the industrial fishing fleet remains idle, prompting worries about job security at processing plants. The Federation of Workers’ Unions of Processing Plants (Fesip) warned that prolonged shortages could cause “instability in employment for hundreds of families.”

Separately, the United States Trade Representative imposed a 12.5 % additional tariff on Chilean salmon imports. The Chilean Salmon Council said the duty threatens the competitiveness of the country’s main export market, stressing that it relates to the absence of explicit legislation on forced‑labour imports rather than accusations against Chile. The council pledged support for diplomatic efforts by the Chilean government to seek a reversal of the tariff.