Barabak: Trump may be difficult to accept. However, his tariffs help this fisherman stay in business

How Tariffs Revitalized a Louisiana Shrimper’s Career

James Blanchard, whose family has been shrimping for four generations, attributes the survival of his business to President Trump’s tariffs, which he believes curbed the influx of inexpensive foreign shrimp.

A Lifetime on the Gulf

For almost half a century, Blanchard has worked the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, harvesting shrimp. His passion for the trade began at age 12, when he joined his father—who balanced a postal job with weekend shrimping—on trips through Louisiana’s marshes. The thrill and solitude of those early days left a lasting impression.

Despite the industry’s decline, Blanchard managed to provide a comfortable life for his family. He and his wife, Cheri, settled into a pleasant home in Bayou Country and supported their three children through college.

As he approached his 65th birthday, Blanchard began to consider retirement, planning to sell his 63-foot vessel and retire his fishing nets.

Economic Pressures and the Turning Point

“Catching shrimp was never the issue,” Blanchard explained, noting that he often brought in over 30,000 pounds of shrimp in a two-week span. “The real challenge was making ends meet, as prices had dropped so low.”

Everything changed when President Trump introduced tariffs on imported shrimp, including a 10% duty that later rose to 50% for India, the largest foreign supplier. Additional tariffs targeted Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Political Views and Personal Impact

Although Blanchard has always identified as a Republican, he was initially skeptical of Trump. However, the tariffs brought a much-needed boost, raising the price of wild-caught shrimp from as little as 87 cents per pound to $1.50 or more. While this is still far from the inflation-adjusted $4.50 per pound shrimpers earned in the 1980s, it was enough for Blanchard to postpone retirement and express gratitude for Trump’s actions.

“Passing bills in Congress is one thing,” he said, “but it doesn’t solve the problem.” In his view, Trump delivered real results.

The Shrimp Industry’s Struggles

Despite shrimp being the most consumed seafood in the U.S., domestic wild-caught shrimp account for less than 10% of the market. The issue isn’t overfishing or quality, but rather the overwhelming volume of cheaper, farmed imports from countries with minimal regulation.

Industry Decline and Community Impact

According to the Southern Shrimp Alliance, warm-water shrimp landings in the Gulf and South Atlantic averaged over $460 million annually between 1975 and 2022. However, the fishery’s value dropped to $269 million in 2023 and $256 million in 2024.

Louisiana, the nation’s top shrimp producer, has been especially affected. “We’re reaching a breaking point,” said Acy Cooper, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association. The number of licensed shrimpers in Louisiana has plummeted from over 6,000 in the 1980s to fewer than 1,500 today.

Blanchard has witnessed the consequences in Houma: closed businesses, fewer jobs, and rising drug problems.

“It touches everyone,” he observed. “It’s not just the boats and processing plants—it’s the hardware stores, fuel docks, and grocery stores too.”

Family and Federal Policy

Two of Blanchard’s children have left Louisiana for better opportunities. One daughter teaches law at a university, his son works in logistics in Georgia, and his other daughter, who lives nearby, uses her degree in school psychology while raising five children. Cheri, now retired from the state labor department, manages the family’s finances.

Blanchard is frustrated that U.S. taxpayer money has supported overseas shrimp farming, with at least $195 million in development aid going to foreign producers in recent years.

At their dining table, surrounded by holiday decorations, the Blanchards criticized the poor safety standards, labor abuses, and environmental harm linked to imported shrimp. The realization that their taxes help fund these practices is especially upsetting. “It feels like a slap in the face,” Blanchard remarked.

Political Evolution

The Blanchards, lifelong Republicans, initially voted for Trump in 2016 simply because they preferred him over Hillary Clinton. After Trump took office, they noticed positive changes: more disposable income, stable prices, and a less intrusive federal government. By the 2024 election, they were enthusiastic supporters.

Despite their support, Blanchard is critical of Trump’s abrasive style and frequent insults, admitting he often avoided listening to Trump’s speeches. Cheri pointed out that he didn’t listen to Obama’s speeches either, though Blanchard said he admired Obama’s character, if not his policies. With Trump, it’s the reverse: he prefers the policies over the personality.

Blanchard appreciates that Trump tends to follow through on his promises, such as strengthening border security. “I have no problem with immigrants,” he said, “but I do have an issue with illegal immigration.” He compared breaking immigration laws to speeding or driving under the influence—both have consequences.

Aside from Trump’s penchant for provocation, the couple finds little to criticize in his actions. Blanchard cited the swift capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as another example of Trump’s decisive leadership, contrasting it with what he saw as empty gestures from previous administrations.

For Blanchard, Trump’s tariffs have restored his ability to make a living, and for that, he is deeply appreciative.

Looking Ahead

Blanchard is preparing his boat, the Waymaker—a name chosen to honor his faith—for another season on the water, eager to continue the work he loves.

About the Author

Mark Z. Barabak covers Western U.S. politics, from California to the nation’s capital.