The Seafood America Spends The Most On Isn't Tuna

In June 2022, a University of Florida report hailed shrimp as the king of seafood — at least when looking at the import figures from 2019. Shrimp topped the list at $6 billion-plus, accounting for 27% of U.S. imports of seafood. Next up: salmon at $4 billion-plus/19%; a combination of crab, crab meat, and lobster at almost $4 billion (16%); and tuna and whitefish at $2 billion (9%) with remaining seafood types lumped into the "other" category, at around 29% of the importing share, accounting for $5 billion. When looking at seafood consumption, shrimp again rides high, according to the National Fisheries report from 2024, which used 2022 figures. Americans ate an average of 5.50 pounds of shrimp annually, followed by salmon at 3.22 pounds, canned tuna at 2.20 pounds,and tilapia at 1.01 pounds. Consumption under one pound was associated with pangasius, Alaska pollock, cod, catfish, crab, and oysters. Added together, the average American ate nearly 20 pounds of seafood in 2022. 

Regarding a third way to rank seafood — as revenue generated — Fortune Business Insights noted that the global seafood market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 7.72% from 2025 to 2032: from $386.99 billion to $651.39 billion. Although this article didn't rank seafoods by demand, it noted increasing demand for crab, lobster, and shrimp. Fortune Business Insights also included a warning: seafood imports now come with significant tariffs, and new tariffs can impact family budgets in meaningful ways. Specifically, prices are increasing on seafood imported from Vietnam (20% tariff) and India (50% tariff).

Comparison shopping matters more than ever as grocery prices increase. For example, would Aldi or Walmart provide the better deal on seafood and other groceries? In 2025, Ramsey compared grocery stores for shoppers. Aldi's topped the list, with specific bargains mentioned for canned goods, which could include tinned tuna and other seafood. Next up is the New England-area Market Basket, with good deals noted for Rhode Island clams. The third is WinCo Foods, and in fourth place, the writer praises Lidl for its certified seafood. Wrapping up the top five: Trader Joe's. Surprisingly, Walmart landed at spot number seven.

When eating out, seafood items like shellfish can be one of the overpriced menu choices. If you're treating yourself but want to manage costs, here are some tips. If perch and chips caught your eye, see if it's more cost effective to order the platter or to choose fish and fries separately. Skip the appetizer, split the order with a friend, use available coupons, drink water instead of soft drinks, and eat at lunchtime rather than dinner. Get a to-go box for leftovers; either eat them as a standalone second meal or supplement them with vegetables from a can and a piece of fruit. Or get the order to go in the first place so that you can combine it with food items from your kitchen. Monitor local restaurants for discount days (Monday or Tuesday are most common) and if eating out with a family, learn where kids can eat for free.