Here is a useful FB thread to follow:
https://www.facebook.com/ornamentalfishinternational
Note that some of the information below is already out of date (ex. China's tariff is stated as 54% when it is now 104%).
U.S. Tariffs Will Impact the Aquarium Trade – What You Need to Know
"A quiet storm is gathering strength in the ornamental fish world, and its name is tariffs. The U.S. government is set to impose sweeping new import duties on aquarium fish, corals, and live aquatic plants—some as high as 54%. Set to take effect from 9 April 2025, these tariffs represent more than just a trade policy adjustment; they mark a significant challenge for the global ornamental aquatic industry and everyone connected to it—from exporters and transhippers to retailers and home hobbyists.
The reality is that a significant proportion of all marine species sold in U.S. pet stores are imported. Even in freshwater, where there is a domestic farming base, the bulk of supply is still international. The U.S. simply does not have the capacity to produce enough to meet its own demand. So while these measures may be aimed at broader economic objectives, they will hit the aquarium industry hard and fast.
The tariffs will apply to the declared value of the animals—not freight—which helps temper the blow a little. However, fish and corals from Indonesia and Fiji will attract a 32% tariff, while imports from China will cop a staggering 54% before freight and retail markup. This means that retail prices are going to rise—and quickly.
Tariff Confusion Will Complicate Buying Behaviour
One of the most disruptive aspects of this policy is the lack of uniformity. Instead of a flat tariff rate, the U.S. is applying a country-by-country scale, which ranges from 10% to over 50%. This immediately introduces a new layer of complexity into sourcing decisions for U.S. importers and distributors.
In practical terms, importers will now be forced to consider relative cost differences—not just based on species quality or availability, but also on tariff rates. For example, a fish from Indonesia (32% tariff) may be undercut by a similar species from Singapore or Colombia, depending on their assigned tariff bracket. It’s not hard to imagine importers shifting sourcing away from higher-tariff countries, regardless of the historical relationships or sustainability credentials of those suppliers.
This kind of reactive market adjustment may hurt long-established supply chains, destabilise existing conservation programs, and reward volume over values like quality, ethics, or environmental care. It could also lead to speculative buying, as U.S. businesses scramble to restructure logistics around the most favourable tariff jurisdictions.
For small businesses that rely on the U.S. market—especially in places like Southeast Asia, Latin & South America, and the Pacific—this brings a wave of uncertainty. But it’s not just about cost. The ornamental fish trade sustains thousands of livelihoods around the world and underpins conservation outcomes in many regions. Well-managed wild collection supports reef and habitat protection. Community-based aquaculture gives people a viable alternative to extractive industries. Tariffs of this scale risk upending all of that, driving down trade volumes and making it harder for small suppliers to stay in the game.
OFI’s Perspective
As the global voice of the ornamental fish industry, OFI is deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these tariffs. We believe in sustainable, responsible, and equitable trade. The ornamental fish industry supports tens of thousands of jobs around the world, many in rural or coastal regions with few other economic opportunities. It is also a powerful tool for environmental stewardship, with well-managed wild collection programs helping to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and freshwater habitats.
Trade barriers of this magnitude risk undoing decades of progress—not just for businesses, but for conservation and sustainable development.
We encourage our members and partners to stay informed, to speak with their local industry bodies, and to reach out to U.S. contacts to better understand what’s unfolding. We also encourage regulators to take a moment to consider the broader impacts—because while this might seem like a domestic economic lever, it sends a shockwave through a truly global, interconnected trade.
For now, we brace for the April 9 rollout. Let’s keep talking, keep advocating, and keep working together to protect what this industry has built."
