Amata’s Letter to USTR Ambassador Greer Urges Prioritizing U.S. Tuna in Trade Agreement

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata has written the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, congratulating him and his USTR team on the announced U.S.-Thailand trade agreement, and urging that U.S. tuna be a priority in determining which products to exempt from the tariff.

"The administration's commitment to rebalancing trade relationships, defending American workers, and strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industries is clearly reflected in this achievement. Your work underscores a vital principle: that trade policy must reinforce - rather than undermine - the economic foundations of our nation," stated Congresswoman Amata.

She noted that the administration will determine which products from Annex III to Executive Order 14346 will be exempted from the current 19 percent reciprocal tariff. "I am writing to express my deep concern that tuna products could be included among those exemptions. While we appreciate the goal of expanding trade opportunities, eliminating tariffs on tuna imports from Thailand would have serious and unintended consequences for U.S. producers," she warned.

"American Samoa is dependent on its tuna canning industry, the territory's largest private employer and economic driver. With roughly 2,300 workers, the tuna cannery in Pago Pago is the largest private sector employer in American Samoa. The presence of the cannery is crucial to the vitality of American fishing in the Western Pacific, as countries such as China and Thailand look to expand their operations in the region. Thailand is now the world's largest processor and exporter of canned tuna, largely due to its substantially lower labor costs and regulatory standards. Over the past two decades, these advantages have driven much of the global industry offshore, resulting in the closure of U.S. facilities, the loss of American jobs, and a diminished domestic fishing fleet. This trend has weakened our nation's seafood production capacity, undermined food security, and resulted in tuna companies leaving American Samoa," said Aumua Amata.

"Eliminating the 19 percent tariff on Thai tuna would further disadvantage U.S. producers, incentivize additional offshoring, and run counter to the goals outlined in President Trump's April 17, 2025, Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. That order rightly emphasizes the importance of bolstering domestic production, ensuring a reliable supply of American-caught and American-processed seafood, and maintaining good-paying jobs here at home," she continued.

"I recognize that trade negotiations involve balancing many priorities. However, maintaining the existing tariff on Thai tuna is essential to ensuring a level playing field for American seafood producers. This issue extends far beyond one company or one product, it affects an entire sector that supports thousands of jobs, anchors the financial stability of our community, and contributes directly to our nation's food independence," Amata concluded. "I urge you to maintain the 19 percent tariff on Thai tuna as part of the recently announced trade agreement with Thailand. Doing so is crucial to maintaining America's seafood competitiveness in a critical region of the world. Thank you for your leadership, your openness to stakeholder input, and your continued commitment to strengthening American competitiveness."

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