Seafood Exports Set for Surge After US Tariff Cut, EU Trade Deal

The Seafood Exporters’ Association of India (SEAI) on Wednesday called the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and easing trade tensions with the United States a major boost to the blue economy. The body said seafood exports could cross last year’s $7.3 billion.

Speaking to media people, SEAI president G. Pawan Kumar said the developments would protect thousands of jobs along the coast. He said Andhra Pradesh would gain the most as it leads aquaculture production.

Mr. Kumar told reporters that exporters faced a tough six months. The U.S. had imposed tariffs as high as 50% on Indian seafood. A new trade understanding has now cut the duty to 18%.

He said the tariff shock began in August 2025. It sharply hit shipments to the U.S. Export volumes fell nearly 15% between April and November 2025. The U.S. remained India’s largest seafood market, worth $2.78 billion in 2024–25.

“The 18% tariff restores our competitiveness. Exporters can again compete with global suppliers who gained market share,” Mr. Kumar said.

He said the U.S. deal would help recovery. He added that the pact with the European Union would drive growth. The agreement removes earlier import duties of 4.2% to 7.5% on Indian seafood.

The EU has cleared 102 more Indian fishery units for export. This step lifted export value to the region by 37.8% in late 2025. The rise came even before the zero-duty system took full effect.

India exported seafood worth about $1.1 billion to the EU in 2024–25. Exports to the bloc rose 28% in quantity during April–November 2025. Export value grew 37.8% in the same period.

Farmers and processors in Andhra Pradesh had urged the government to resolve the U.S. trade issue. “We now feel relief,” Mr. Kumar said.

“The sector has laid the base for steady growth. India has again proved itself a reliable global seafood supplier,” he added.

SEAI Andhra Pradesh regional president K. Anand Kumar and secretary D.S.K. Dileep attended the interaction.