EMEA editor Neil Ramsden brings you a roundup of the main stories from the previous week.

Last week's most-read story was the news that AZ Gems -- controlled by the largest Indian shrimp supplier to the US, Sandhya Aqua Exports, has acquired a lobster distributor and exporter based in the East Coast state of Massachusetts. The AZ Gems "affiliate" company acquired Truefoods Premium Product from Michael Tourkistas, a legendary figure in the North American lobster sector. 

On Jan. 31, US president Donald Trump announced the country would begin levying 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico as well as an additional 10% duty on China. The seafood industry, including US importers and Canadian and Mexican producers, has been dreading the potential of tariffs since Trump first threatened them in November.

An up-and-coming player in the US seafood industry, Fathom Seafood, plans to break ground this summer on a processing plant using state-of-the-art automation to remain competitive with overseas processors. It has thus far been known as a medium-sized processor of Dungeness crab and exporter of geoduck clams to Asian markets on the West Coast. But, in recent years, it's increased its lines by acquiring the companies Alaska Ice Seafoods, Franco Fish and Long Fisheries to expand from a shellfish specialty processor to one that produces a variety of finfish and salmon roe for caviar.

And in Europe, Norwegian salmon aquaculture business Mowi has entered into an agreement to acquire Vigner Olaisen's controlling 46% stake in Nova Sea, taking its stake in the business to a total 95%. The deal, valued at NOK 7.4 billion ($654.9 million), will be followed by a voluntary cash offer on similar terms to the shareholders owning the remaining 5% of Nova Sea for NOK 800m.

For the rest of last week's biggest stories, click the headlines below:

• Pacific halibut TAC slashed 18% to 19.7m lbs for US and Canada
• Canada-based conglomerate invests $42m to acquire Argentine fishing firm
• Pescanova brings in Keith Decker as part of larger US restructure
• Pacifico Aquaculture ceasing operations; CEO departs
• US conglomerate looks to sell wild shrimp supply division
• Captain Fresh, Sekkingstad put together salmon JV
• US immigration agents raid New Jersey seafood plant, arrest 3
• After 2024 losses, Norway's Kvaroy restructures, lays off some US staff
• Captain Fresh eyes spot in seafood's top 10, targets $1bn sales for next year
• Santa Monica CEO has three acquisitions in works, looks to correct 2024 profit drop