BOSTON — The 2025 Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, the largest seafood trade event in North America, brought together more than 1,215 exhibitors from 51 countries at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from March 16-18. This year’s event saw new exhibitors from Bahrain, Croatia, Ireland, Mauritius, Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates, alongside a growing presence from countries including China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Norway and Vietnam. The show floor spanned an impressive 249,665 net square feet.
Produced by Diversified, the event served as a global hub for networking, deal-making, and industry insights.
Related. Seafood Expo + Diversified Communications: A Powerful Success Story
“We had a very successful event with a strong presence of seafood companies from around the world,” Wynter Courmont, Vice President, Seafood at Diversified, said. “While companies are navigating the current uncertainty around tariffs, just like other global industries, the energy and positivity throughout the event reinforced how important it is for companies across the supply chain to have a dedicated platform to come together and forage new partnerships, conduct business and address unique challenges.”
Tariff Uncertainty Looms Large
Tariffs were discussed at the expo. With Canada exporting 67% of its seafood to the United States, the tariff stakes are high.
“People were talking about the tariffs and the possible ways to address the issue,” said Neil Targett, a sales executive with the Barry Group of Companies, based in Newfoundland. “There are no solvent plans at present because of the uncertainty. Everyone is trying to figure out how to work around them,” Targett said.
Dr. Nomi Prins, a macro-economist, geopolitical financial expert, and best-selling author, delivered a keynote address on the economic outlook for the seafood industry. She talked about the economic outlook for the seafood industry including tariff policies and regulations and its impacts on the North American and global supply chain.
“Attendees were able to learn about the biggest opportunities and challenges impacting their businesses, including tariffs, through the robust conference program that kicked off with a keynote address by Nomi Prins, PhD., macro-economist, geopolitical financial expert and best-selling author. Dr. Prins provided an economic outlook for the seafood industry around tariff policies and assured the industry that once the uncertainty around tariffs subsides, the seafood industry can expect growth,” said Courmont.
Innovation and Networking in the Spotlight
The Seafood Expo highlighted industry advancements. The Wave Makers’ Zone offered interactive demonstrations, product samplings, and networking opportunities. Key features included the new and featured product showcases, the Seafood Excellence Awards, an oyster shucking competition, and the Connecting Women in Seafood networking event.
Tariff Concerns Extend Beyond Seafood Expo
Across the country in San Francisco, tariffs were also a hot-button issue at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Held at the Moscone Center, GDC, which drew approximately 30,000 attendees and 325 exhibitors last year, saw trade concerns enter the conversation in the gaming industry.
Ahead of the event, Raphael van Lierop, CEO of Vancouver-based Hinterland, took to LinkedIn to urge Canadian game developers to reconsider attending due to the economic impact of trade policies.
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Photo Credit: Seafood Expo North America
