Spiny Lobster Prices Crash as China Stops Buying—Hurting San Diego Fishermen
October 14, 2025 | 1 min to read
San Diego’s spiny lobster fishery has been devastated as wholesale prices collapse from $20–24 to about $7–10 per pound, threatening California’s third most valuable fishery. Fishmonger Tommy Gomes and local fishermen blame shifting international demand and trade dynamics—notably China diverting purchases to Australia and New Zealand—driven by tariffs, changing consumer tastes, and diplomatic shifts.
Spiny lobster prices plummet to $7-10 per pound as China shifts purchases to Australia and New Zealand, devastating San Diego’s fishing industry.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s spiny lobster fishermen are facing one of their toughest seasons in years as wholesale prices have crashed to near-record lows, threatening the viability of California’s third most economically valuable fishery.
Fishmonger Tommy Gomes says the spiny lobster that sold for $20-24 per pound last year is now fetching just $7-10 per pound — prices lower than even during the pandemic shutdown.
The culprit? He says China has stopped buying American lobster, instead importing from other countries due to trade tariffs, changing consumer demand, and fluctuating international relations.
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