For over two decades, Suquamish tribal member Joshua George has harvested geoducks large, burrowing clams found in the emerald waters of the Salish Sea. A beloved delicacy in China, geoducks are now at the center of the U.S.-China trade war, with devastating consequences for Washington state divers and exporters.
Once a staple of local Indigenous culture, the geoduck has gained fame in China, where it’s prized for its chewy texture in stir-fries and hot pots. Before the trade war, nearly 90% of Washington’s geoducks were exported to China, with prices reaching up to $100 per pound in high-end restaurants. However, the escalation of tariffs under President Trump has turned the clam into an unintended casualty.
In early 2025, China retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. seafood, decimating the geoduck market. Washington state divers, like George, face uncertain futures as their work comes to a halt. “It’s the first time in 24 years where I don’t know when or if we’ll be going back to work,” George said.
The immediate impact has been profound. As of late April, only half of the expected harvest had been pulled, causing a significant loss in revenue. The state’s aquatic restoration projects, funded by geoduck sales, are now at risk. Meanwhile, Canadian geoduck farmers are benefiting from a 25% tariff, compared to the steep 125% imposed on the U.S. This has allowed Canada to become the leading exporter to China, commanding higher prices for its clams.
While U.S. divers wait anxiously for a resolution, the geoduck trade is caught in the crossfire of global politics, with local livelihoods and international business hanging in the balance.
