U.S. Tariff Cut Brings Relief to AP Seafood Exporters

Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, has welcomed the decision of the United States to reduce tariffs on Indian seafood exports to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, calling it major relief for exporters and the aquaculture sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister said the tariff cut under the India–U.S. trade agreement would significantly benefit seafood exporters in Andhra Pradesh, especially those engaged in aquaculture.

He noted that the earlier tariff structure, along with punitive duties, had raised the effective burden to 50–58 per cent, severely affecting shipments to the U.S. Between April and November 2025, seafood exports to the U.S. fell 15 per cent in volume to 2.01 lakh metric tonnes, while export value declined 6.3 per cent to $1.72 billion. Frozen shrimp, the country’s main seafood export to the U.S., was among the worst hit, he said.

With duties now reduced to 18 per cent, Mr. Atchannaidu said Indian seafood had regained competitiveness in the American market. Stalled export orders were expected to resume, and consignments held in bonded warehouses were likely to be cleared.

The Minister projected a 10–15 per cent rise in seafood exports to the U.S. in the coming months, with volumes likely to return to pre-tariff levels. He added that profit margins in seafood processing, which had slipped to 5–5.5 per cent, could recover to 7–8 per cent.

He also pointed out that duty concessions in the Union Budget 2026 and steady demand from non-U.S. markets would further strengthen the sector, benefiting farmers, fishermen, and the State’s fisheries economy.