AP asks aqua farmers not to panic amid West Asia crisis
seafood containers to European Union, United States, Japan, and China continue to move without restrictions through other routes
image for illustrative purpose
Amaravati: The government of Andhra Pradesh has asked aqua farmers in the state not to panic about the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on aquaculture sector.
State Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has advised shrimp farmers not to resort to panic harvesting for fear of impact on seafood exports in view of the conflict in the Gulf region. He held a video conference with Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) Co-Vice Chairman, members of the Non-Official Committee and members of the Aquaculture Advisory Committee and reviewed the current situation on Wednesday. Minister Atchannaidu said that some aqua farmers have been worried due to media reports about the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.
He explained that only 3-4 per cent of India's total seafood exports go to the Middle East, and that too mainly through the Strait of Hormuz. He said that seafood containers going to other countries like the European Union, the United States, Japan, and China continue to move without restrictions through the Red Sea Suez Canal route, the Cape of Good Hope route, and the China Sea route. Therefore, he clarified that the current situation is not likely to have a significant impact on India's seafood exports.
Atchannaidu also stated that demand in the US market is likely to improve by the end of March 2026. He said that demand is likely to increase especially after the Seafood Expo North America (March 15–17, 2026, Boston). He said that there is generally good demand for 50 and 60 count shrimp in the US market, which are the sizes that Andhra Pradesh farmers usually produce and until that count is achieved, there is no need for intermediate catches.
The Minister said that the approximately 20 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Indian shrimp (including Basic Duty, Anti-Dumping Duty – ADD, Countervailing Duty – CVD) is at par with the tariffs imposed on other competing countries, which will ensure India’s competitiveness in the international seafood export market.
