Senator Hyde-Smith introduces bill on shrimp imports

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is introducing new legislation aimed at protecting South Mississippi shrimpers from a surge in imports from Ecuador.

If passed, the ‘Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act’ would phase in higher tariffs on certain Ecuadorian shrimp products, reaching 40 percent in 2029.

The bill would also add a ten cent per kilogram duty to help fund seafood inspections and strengthen country-of-origin labeling.

Ecuador now accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. shrimp imports, according to industry figures cited by Hyde-Smith’s office.