PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Current trade tensions between the U.S., China and the European Union have Maine lobster dealers worried in an industry that has become increasingly reliant on exports.
President Donald Trump’s latest comments about trade with Canada have drawn strong reactions on both sides fo the border. That is the climate in which the Maine Congressional delegation invited top officials from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to meet in Portland on Friday. The importance of the issue is underscored by the presence of all four delegation members.
Maine lobster dealers are already coping with a special deal between Canada and the E.U., which is eliminating the European tariff on Canadian lobster. Maine dealers say that is putting them at an 8 to 16 percent price disadvantage in an important market.
Sen. Angus King said Friday morning that Europe and Asia buy nearly 30 percent of all Maine lobster, meaning the result of any trade discussions will be of tremendous importance to Maine’s entire lobster industry, estimated to be worth as much as $1.5 billion per year.