US Tariffs Threaten Andhra Livelihoods, CPI(M) Demands Action

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called on the Centre and Andhra Pradesh governments to act immediately to protect the State from the adverse effects of the United States’ steep tariffs on Indian exports.

CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao warned that the tariff hike could hit the aquaculture, textile, garment, and spinning sectors, putting thousands of jobs at risk. “Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector alone supports 2.5 lakh farmers and thousands of workers. Falling shrimp prices due to reduced exports are already hurting livelihoods. Urgent subsidies on power, feed, and seeds, along with new export markets, are needed,” he said.

Cotton farmers are facing additional strain after the removal of import duties, prompting the party to demand export subsidies. The State’s textile and garment industry, employing 46,000 people and generating Rs 20,000 crore in exports, could face severe disruption. Mr. Rao noted that 35% of spinning mills have already shut down due to rising electricity costs, while garment production has slowed.

Accusing the US of undermining India’s sovereignty, Mr. Rao urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to safeguard the country. He called for the abolition of ‘true-up’ charges, export subsidies, and relief on taxes, electricity, and interest.

The CPI(M) leader also criticised changes at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, warning that new contractor-led operations could increase costs and compromise safety, sidelining permanent workers.

On the Polavaram project, he demanded the release of the foreign expert committee’s findings and stressed that 100% rehabilitation must be completed by March 2026, with proper documentation of all construction works.