'Chaotic tariff policy': USDA buys $16M of Oregon shrimp to help fishermen

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has purchased millions of dollars worth of Oregon seafood to help boost the state’s economy.

Bruce Summers, administrator for the federal agency’s Agricultural Marketing Service, confirmed the $16 million purchase of Pacific pink shrimp in a letter on May 16.

“We recognized the importance of Pacific pink shrimp to the economic health of our Nation and of the demand for high-quality, nutritious products for nutrition assistance programs,” Summers wrote in response to the request from Oregon Trawl Commission Director Yelena Nowak.

This follows a letter in which seven Oregon lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Maxine Dexter and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, urged the USDA to make the purchase “as soon as possible” — due to tariff uncertainty.

President Donald Trump revealed his plan to enforce reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including the European Union, in March. As a result, the EU announced its plan to enforce 25% tariffs on an array of U.S. exports. The union has since paused its intentions to retaliate, but Oregon legislators say the uncertainty had already prompted several buyers to cancel or suspend large orders — just as fishermen are expecting a “significant harvest” this season.

The United Kingdom has also rejected the U.S. fishing industry’s request to pause 20% tariffs on Pacific pink shrimp imports, lawmakers said in the May 5 letter.

In a statement, Gov. Tina Kotek added that the Oregon industry moves billions of dollars worth of seafood. State leaders and stakeholders hope the recent investment helps local fishermen stay afloat.

“Chaotic tariff policy has caused economic uncertainty, putting these businesses and Oregonian’s livelihoods at risk,” Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said in a release. “I am grateful that USDA has heeded our call to support Oregon’s seafood industry by purchasing millions of dollars of Oregon pink shrimp.”