Shrimp, salmon, tilapia — moving 50,000 MT between LATAM and the US

Aquaculture and fisheries encompass the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, as well as the harvesting of wild-caught seafood. This sector is critical for global food security, providing over half of the world's seafood for human consumption. For US buyers, Latin America offers a year-round supply of high-quality farmed shrimp, tilapia, salmon, and other species, while US exporters find growing demand for processed fish products and aquaculture inputs such as feed and equipment. The trade relationship between the US and Latin America in this sub-sector is dynamic, driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable protein and the need for reliable, traceable supply chains.

Coppermont specializes in facilitating these cross-border transactions, helping both suppliers and buyers navigate the complexities of international trade. Whether you are a US importer seeking consistent volumes of farmed shrimp from Ecuador or a Latin American producer looking to export fresh fish to US markets, our advisory services streamline the process. We understand the nuances of species-specific requirements, seasonal availability, and regulatory frameworks that govern seafood trade.

Products and Species in This Cluster

The aquaculture and fisheries cluster covers a wide range of products, each with distinct grades, specifications, and market preferences. Farmed species dominate the trade volume, with shrimp, salmon, and tilapia being the most traded items between the US and Latin America. Shrimp is typically traded as head-on or headless, shell-on or peeled, and in various size counts per pound (e.g., 16/20, 21/25, 26/30). Salmon, primarily Atlantic salmon farmed in Chile, is exported as fresh or frozen fillets, portions, or whole fish, with specifications often requiring HOG (head-on, gutted) or skin-on fillets. Tilapia is commonly sold as frozen fillets, individually quick frozen (IQF), or as whole fish, with buyers specifying weight ranges and fat content.

Beyond these staples, the cluster includes farmed bivalves like mussels and oysters from Chile and Peru, as well as wild-caught species such as mahi-mahi, tuna, and snapper from Mexico, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Grades are often defined by size, freshness, and processing method. For example, premium sashimi-grade tuna commands higher prices and requires strict cold chain management. US buyers also source value-added products like marinated or seasoned seafood, breaded shrimp, and ready-to-cook fish portions. Specifications typically include packaging format (bulk, retail-ready, vacuum-packed), shelf life requirements, and certifications such as MSC or ASC.

Latin American and African Suppliers: Production Scale and Strengths

Latin America is a powerhouse in global aquaculture and fisheries production. Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of farmed shrimp, producing over 1.5 million metric tons annually, with the US as its top market. Chilean salmon farming accounts for roughly 25% of global Atlantic salmon supply, with exports to the US exceeding $1.5 billion per year. Peru is a leading producer of wild-caught anchoveta for fishmeal and fish oil, as well as farmed scallops and trout. Honduras, Mexico, and Brazil are significant tilapia producers, with Honduras exporting primarily to the US market under preferential trade agreements.

Africa's aquaculture sector is smaller but growing rapidly. Egypt is the continent's largest producer, farming tilapia and mullet in the Nile Delta. Nigeria and Uganda are expanding their aquaculture operations, focusing on tilapia and catfish for domestic and regional markets. While Africa's direct seafood exports to the US remain limited, there is potential for future trade in processed products and specialty species. Coppermont monitors these emerging markets to identify opportunities for US buyers seeking diversification and supply security.

US Buyer Types: Who Buys and What They Need

US buyers of aquaculture and fisheries products range from large-scale seafood importers and distributors to retail chains, food service operators, and specialty wholesalers. Major importers like Red Chamber Co., Pacific Seafood, and High Liner Foods purchase container loads of frozen shrimp and salmon, requiring consistent quality, volume commitments, and competitive pricing. Retail giants such as Walmart, Costco, and Whole Foods demand certified sustainable products, often with private-label packaging and strict traceability from farm to shelf.

Food service buyers, including restaurant groups and institutional cafeterias, need reliable supply of specific cuts and portions, often with customized packaging for their operations. Smaller specialty buyers, such as sushi-grade fish distributors or ethnic market suppliers, seek niche products like live lobster, conch, or specific fish species not widely available from domestic sources. Across all buyer types, common requirements include adherence to FDA seafood safety regulations, HACCP plans, and documentation proving country of origin and catch method. Buyers also increasingly demand third-party certifications like MSC (wild-caught), ASC (farmed), or BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) to meet consumer expectations.

Certifications and Compliance for This Sub-Sector

Navigating certifications and compliance is a critical aspect of aquaculture and fisheries trade. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces strict import regulations under the Seafood HACCP program, requiring foreign suppliers to have equivalent food safety controls. Importers must verify that their suppliers comply with the FDA's Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), which mandates reporting of species, harvest location, and chain of custody for certain species at risk of IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing.

Beyond government regulations, voluntary certifications are often market requirements. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is the gold standard for wild-caught seafood, ensuring sustainable fishing practices. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) covers farmed species, with standards for environmental and social responsibility. Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) is a widely recognized certification for farmed seafood, covering hatchery, farm, feed mill, and processing plant stages. Organic certifications, such as USDA Organic for farmed fish, are also in demand for premium markets. Additionally, country-specific requirements like Mexico's NOM standards or Chile's sanitary regulations must be met for imports to the US.

How Coppermont Advisory Works for This Sub-Sector

Coppermont provides end-to-end advisory services for clients in the aquaculture and fisheries sector. Our process begins with a deep assessment of your specific needs—whether you are a supplier seeking US buyers or an importer looking for reliable sources. We leverage our network of vetted producers, processors, and logistics partners across Latin America and Africa to match you with the right counterparties. For US buyers, we conduct due diligence on potential suppliers, including site visits, production capacity verification, and certification audits.

We also assist with contract negotiation, ensuring terms around pricing, volume, delivery schedules, and quality specifications are clear and enforceable. Our team handles logistics coordination, from cold chain management to customs clearance, reducing the risk of spoilage or delays. For suppliers, we provide market intelligence on US demand trends, price benchmarks, and regulatory changes that affect their export strategy. We help with documentation, including certificates of origin, health certificates, and compliance with SIMP requirements. Throughout the transaction, Coppermont acts as a trusted intermediary, facilitating communication and resolving disputes to ensure smooth, repeatable trade.

Join the US-Latin America Seafood Trade Network

Whether you are a Latin American aquaculture producer looking to expand into the US market or a US seafood buyer seeking consistent, high-quality supply, Coppermont is your partner for success. We invite suppliers with ASC, BAP, or MSC certified products to contact us for buyer introductions. US importers and distributors can leverage our expertise to find new sources of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and specialty species from across the region. Let us help you navigate the complexities of international seafood trade and build lasting, profitable relationships. Reach out today to start a conversation about your trade goals.