Louisiana Shrimp Task Force & Louisiana Shrimp Association Complete Productive Meetings in Washington, D.C
Members of the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force and the Louisiana Shrimp Association traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for a series of productive meetings with the Louisiana and D.C. Delegation, including Representatives, Congressmen, and Senators. These discussions focused on the urgent challenges facing the U.S. wild-caught shrimp industry and the need for meaningful federal action to support coastal communities and working waterfronts.
Representing the industry on this trip were Acy Cooper, Ronnie Anderson, Lance Nacio, Andrew Blanchard, and Rodney Olander. Their leadership and firsthand experience ensured that the voices of Louisiana shrimp harvesters and American shrimpers nationwide—were clearly heard.
Throughout the meetings, the delegation highlighted several critical issues, including:
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force and Louisiana Shrimp Association remain committed to advocating for fair treatment, transparent science, and policies that protect the livelihoods of American shrimp harvesters. This weeks meetings were an important step toward securing the reforms and support our industry urgently needs.
To view the advocacy packet of issues discussed click- HERE
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January 13, 2026 U.S. Court of International Trade Upholds Federal Determination on Vietnamese Shrimp Subsidies The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has issued a decision upholding the Department of Commerce final determination that the Vietnamese shrimp industry benefited from countervailable government subsidies and engaged in unfair trade practices in the United States market. The ruling confirms the federal government findings that subsidized shrimp imports from Vietnam have caused material injury to the domestic shrimp industry, including harvesters across the Gulf Coast. Court Rejects Challenge from Vietnamese Exporter The case involved Soc Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company (STAPIMEX), a major Vietnamese shrimp exporter that challenged Commerces subsidy findings. STAPIMEX argued that Commerce lacked sufficient evidence to conclude that the company benefited from Vietnams - Exemption or Reduction of Rents for Encouraged Industries program. The Court rejected those arguments, holding that Commerce determination was: Reasonable Supported by substantial evidence Within the agency's legal authority The Court emphasized that it would not reweigh evidence already evaluated by Commerce. Final Duty Rates Remain in Effect As a result of the CIT decision, the following countervailing duty (CVD) rates remain in place for Vietnamese shrimp entering the United States: Exporter Final CVD Rate STAPIMEX 2.84% All other Vietnamese exporters 2.84% Thong Thuan Company Limited 221.82% Importers must continue depositing these duties on all Vietnamese shrimp shipments. Strengthening Fair Competition for U.S. Harvesters The CIT ruling reinforces the federal government recognition that subsidized shrimp imports distort the U.S. market and undermine the livelihoods of American shrimp harvesters. This decision ensures that trade remedies remain firmly in place to help restore fair competition, protect coastal economies, and support the long-term stability of the domestic shrimp industry. Read the CIT decision in Soc Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company (STAPIMEX) v. United States here: 26-03.pdf |
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December 9, 2025
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announces that the 2025 fall inshore shrimp season will close in a portion of state waters on December 15, 2025.
Visit the link below for more information:
Info and Map
Get your decal now and show your support!
"It it ain't Louisiana Shrimp, it just ain't Louisiana"
The decal size is 9" x 3" and perfect for your vehicle window or bumper, your boat or business.
Your donation of $6.00 will get your decal mailed directly to you.
Remember, if it ain't Louisiana shrimp, it just ain't Louisiana!
News and Updates
August 20, 2025
LSA sends a letter to Congressman Steve Scalise to ask for his urgent help with the navigation channel near Lafitte, Louisiana. Large commercial fishing vessels are getting stuck because the channel has not been dredged in years. The Army Corps of Engineers has funding, but delays continue because of a jurisdiction technicality and oyster leases that should never have been approved in a federal channel.
Click to View a Draft Copy
July 16, 2025
LSA Submitts Public Comment on Regulatory Burdens Affecting the U.S. Commercial Fishing Industry: Executive Order 14276
As members, supporters, and representatives of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, we write to express deep concern regarding the growing regulatory burdens placed on fishermen, processors, and small seafood businesses. While we recognize the importance of sustainable fisheries management, the current patchwork of federal mandates has become increasingly difficult to navigate, particularly for small- and medium-sized operations that form the backbone of our coastal communities.
Click Here to Read Letter Submitted
TAA Petition filed by LSA to aid shrimp harvesters! We're making progress!
Louisiana Shrimp Association has filed a petition with the US Department of Labor (DOL) on behalf of its members. As we have mentioned to you all at meetings and in previous emails, LSA has been in correspondence with the DOC pertaining to the TAA- Trade Adjustment Assistance, since January. We received a letter on Monday, March 31st from the DOC advising LSA to submit the petition for assistance and the required documents. This was filed on April 2, 2025.
Congressman Higgins Supports President Trump's America First Trade Agenda
WASHINGTON,D.C. - Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement of support after President Trump announced new tariffs on imported goods, which will directly benefit America's seafood and agricultural producers.
Read the press release here: HIGGINS PRESS RELEASE
LSA Press Release:Louisiana Shrimp Association Commends the USITC Affirmative Decision "Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam Injure U.S. Industry"
US Shrimp Industry Injured:Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam Injure U.S. Industry
November 19, 2024
News Release 24-114
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-699-700, 702 , 731-TA-1660
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam Injure U.S. Industry
The U.S. International Trade Commission Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of frozen warmwater shrimp from Indonesia that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports of frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, India, and Vietnam that Commerce has determined are subsidized by the governments of Ecuador, India, and Vietnam. https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er1119_66150.htm
Please click the link below to view investigation timeline, documents and more information on the anti dumping investigation.
Click Here to View ITC Information
LOUISIANA CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN
NOTE: This has to be renewed each year
Under the authority of 56:303E,(1), this form may be used to qualify a Louisiana licensed commercial fisherman as "certified". An IRS registered tax preparer possessing a PIN must complete the form certifying that based upon his most recent federal income tax return that the fisherman earns at least fifty percent of his income from commercial fishing activities, and have it notorized, then mailed in to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Click here to down load the form
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN TAX EXPEMPT FORM
Commercial fisherman may apply for a certificate of exemption from Louisiana state sales and use taxes under Louisiana Revised Statute 47:305.20.
Click here to download the form
Become Louisiana Certified
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"The primary mission of the Louisiana Seafood Certification Program is to build a unified brand
to attract consumers as well as foodservice
and seafood distribution buyers who want to be sure they’re sourcing the best-tasting seafood in the world—Louisiana Seafood."
The basic requirements along with instruction on how to apply to become a Louisiana Seafood Certified Program participant can be found here-
Louisiana Certification Program
Our Goal
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is to incorporate the participation of everyone involved in the Shrimp Industry,
and to preserve the culture and heritage
of the traditional Louisiana Shrimper.
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INDUSTRY TOPICS
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