Seafood exports to rebound after trade deals with USA, UK; may achieve $12 bn by 2030
The USA tariffs at one stage reached 50 per cent , making exporters totally uncompetitive with low tariff nations like Vietnam, Thailand and, Ecuador
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Visakhapatnam: The Indian seafood industry has exuded new-found confidence to achieve the target set to increase exports to the tune of $12 to 14 billion by 2030 with the double bonanza in the form of signing of trade agreement with the European Union and the decision of USA to reduce tariffs to 18 per cent following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his emissaries for a new trade deal.
The USA tariffs at one stage reached 50 per cent making the exporters totally uncompetitive with low tariff nations like Vietnam, Thailand and, Ecuador. Since the hefty increase in tariffs, exports to the USA, the largest market for India, fell by 6.3 per cent in value and 15 per cent in volume during April-November.
"The twin developments, coming one after another, are a double bonanza for the Indian seafood exporters, mostly frozen shrimp--a lion's share of it is sourced from Andhra Pradesh in the form of Vannamei (white-leg shrimp), an exotic aqua-grown species. We are thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh for their efforts to solve the crisis encountered by us," Seafood Exporters' Association of India (SEAI) national president G Pavan Kumar and Andhra Pradesh unit president K Anand Kumar, said.
"Shipments are expected to rebound soon with the industry heaving a sigh of relief," a senior official of the State Fisheries Department told Bizz Buzz. Andhra Pradesh contributed almost 32 to 34 per cent of India's total seafood exports of Rs.60,523 crore during 2024-25. Andhra Pradesh, being the aquaculture hub of India, accounts for exporting 80 per cent of frozen shrimp amounting to an estimated Rs20,000 crore. Frozen tuna, other fish species, octopus and squids are also in demand in the overseas market.
After the USA, China, European Union, Southeast Asia and Japan are the leading destinations for exports of Indian seafood.
The Indian seafood industry suffered a big blow in 2025 due to the Trump Tariffs and could not drive the growth to achieve the target set for exports. During 2026, the industry is expected to ramp up exports with renewed focus on value addition, expanding to new markets and diversifying into by-products like collagen and fish oil. The Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is also making efforts to ensure global quality standards.
Vannamei predominantly cultured in Andhra Pradesh in the undivided districts of West Godavari, East Godavari, Krishna, Nellore and Prakasam districts. In parts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Guntur aquaculture farming is picking up in some parts with thrust on producing Chennai-headquartered Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA)-certified Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Vannamei shrimp, which is in high demand in overseas market for its culinary taste and price advantage.
