Executives at one of Latin America’s largest seafood exporters remain barred from entering the United States following visa revocations issued during the Biden administration—a move that has disrupted operations and strained relationships with key American importers.
The company, Negocios Industriales Real S.A. (NIRSA), is a vertically integrated seafood conglomerate based in Ecuador that supplies branded and private-label products to global markets. Since its founding in 1957 as a sardine canning operation, NIRSA has grown exponentially, exporting tuna, shrimp, and other seafood products to over 35 countries, including the United States, China, and much of Europe.
Between June 2023 and April 2025, NIRSA shipped seafood to the United States on 224 separate occasions, with 116 shipments recorded in the past 12 months alone, according to ImportInfo. The company’s U.S. partners include Global Trade Bridge Corp, Seafood Exchange of Florida Inc, and Pacific Breeze Seafood Inc.—firms that distribute to grocery chains and foodservice suppliers across the country.
While specific volume data is limited, trade estimates indicate that NIRSA exports between 4,000 and 7,000 metric tons of shrimp annually to the U.S. market, based on figures from Shrimp Insights. Ecuador, as a whole, exported roughly 229,580 metric tons of tuna in 2023—valued at $1.19 billion—with the U.S. ranking among its largest buyers, according to StatLedger Market Research.
Despite this commercial footprint, several NIRSA executives remain unable to travel to the U.S. following State Department actions taken during the Biden administration. A report by Federal Newswire notes that the visa revocations were never formally explained and were not linked to any criminal charges. The policy continues to prevent senior leaders from attending industry trade shows, meeting with buyers, or advocating for the company’s sustainability agenda in the U.S. policy space.
The restrictions continue at a time when NIRSA is being held up as a model for responsible seafood production. In a feature published by TUNACONS, NIRSA International Sales Director Gustavo Arroyat emphasized the company’s global role.
“Tuna is one of the most consumed fish worldwide, and we are part of the global demand through exports of our Real brand and private label products,” said Arroyat .
He also highlighted NIRSA’s investment in sustainability.
“We use certified fishing methods that guarantee the sustainability of the resource, and we are aligned with international regulations and customer requirements.”
NIRSA is a founding member of TUNACONS, a coalition of companies committed to responsible tuna fishing. It is also a member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, and operates one of the region’s most advanced seafood facilities in Posorja, Ecuador. The facility processes around 250 metric tons of seafood per day, with plans to expand to 300, according to Seafood Media. NIRSA also operates the largest Ecuadorian-flagged tuna fleet, which includes 19 major vessels and a range of support craft.
In its 2024 Sustainability Report, NIRSA outlined a wide range of practices aimed at reducing environmental harm and enhancing traceability. These include non-entangling fishing gear, biodegradable marine materials, onboard waste treatment, and third-party audits to verify sustainability performance. The company is also actively working toward Carbon Neutral certification and conducts annual assessments of its carbon footprint.
On a local level, NIRSA offers education and gender equity programs and funds environmental conservation efforts. Combined with its export record and regulatory compliance, NIRSA has earned a strong reputation among buyers seeking environmentally and socially responsible suppliers.
Currently, visa restrictions have left the company cut off from critical U.S.-based events, buyers, and partnerships. Trade professionals note that this impedes the kind of direct engagement often necessary for new certifications, joint ventures, and U.S. retail expansion.
At a time when U.S. trade policy is taking center stage, and global food systems remain under pressure from inflation, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related disruptions, the continued exclusion of leadership from a key food supplier raises concerns about consistency in U.S. economic and diplomatic messaging.
Despite this, NIRSA’s role in U.S. seafood supply chains remains substantial and continues to grow with the demand for responsibly sourced, traceable seafood increases, particularly among American consumers and grocery chains. The company’s operational and environmental record stands in contrast to the policy restrictions still in place.
Industry watchers argue that resolving the visa issue could benefit both U.S. consumers and diplomatic ties. Until then, NIRSA continues to expand its international presence from Ecuador, while operating with limited access to one of its most critical markets.