The U.S. aquarium industry is a vibrant, $4.5 billion sector that enriches the lives of millions of Americans and supports over 30,000 domestic jobs across retail, manufacturing, logistics, and service. At the heart of this industry are live ornamental fish—without which, there is no demand for tanks, filters, food, or décor, much of which is made right here in the United States.
Yet today, this industry is under threat. Tariffs on live fish imports are damaging, counterproductive, and harmful to small businesses and American workers alike.
Here’s Why These Tariffs Must Go:
- There is no domestic alternative. Most marine ornamental species are not native to U.S. waters and cannot be bred domestically due to complex life cycles.
- Imports are still essential for U.S. breeding programs. Even fish bred here require imported broodstock.
- Live Fish Tariffs hurt—rather than help—American jobs. Rather than boosting domestic production, they raise prices, reduce demand, and squeeze U.S. manufacturers, retailers, and service providers.
The Impact Is Real:
- Aquariums are a price-sensitive market. Higher prices due to tariffs drive down consumer demand, leading to lost revenue and job losses across the supply chain.
- Wider consequences go beyond economics. Aquariums promote STEM learning, teach children responsibility, and are used in schools, hospitals, and therapy centers to support mental and emotional well-being. Tariffs make these benefits less accessible, especially for low-income families and public institutions.
The Bottom Line:
Live ornamental fish are the “peanut butter” of the aquarium hobby. Tariffs on these fish raise the cost of, or eliminate access to, that peanut butter—undermining the entire sandwich, including the U.S.-made components that depend on it.
We urge policymakers and trade leaders to remove tariffs on live ornamental fish imports. Doing so will protect American jobs, support small businesses, and ensure that this accessible, educational, and therapeutic hobby remains available to millions of households across the country.
Act Now!
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