India Eyes Seafood Export Revival As EU, Russia, Australia Open Doors Amid US Tariff Shock

The EU remains a premium market for shrimp and fish, and renewed access is expected to raise earnings for farmers and exporters. (AP Photo)

Indian seafood exporters, particularly those in Andhra Pradesh, are set for a significant boost as the government resolves longstanding trade issues with major international markets, offering relief after a sharp US tariff hit earlier this year.

In August 2025, the United States imposed nearly a 50% tariff on Indian seafood, including shrimp, effectively curbing exports from states like Andhra Pradesh, which account for nearly 80% of India’s total shrimp shipments. The tariffs, which touched as high as 59.72%, were partially in response to India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, and posed a serious threat to the livelihoods of farmers and exporters alike.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government has proactively addressed these challenges by reopening access to alternative markets. Speaking to the Economic Times on the sidelines of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, Goyal noted that India had “ironed out problems with the European Union”, which had imposed a 9-year ban on Indian seafood over quality control concerns.

“Now, 102 fisheries have received approval to export to the EU,” he said, highlighting growing confidence in India’s food safety and quality assurance systems. The EU remains a premium market for shrimp and fish, and renewed access is expected to raise earnings for farmers and exporters.

Russia: Strategic Expansion

Russia has emerged as a key alternative market. Goyal stated that final approvals are underway for 25 Indian fisheries, with further approvals expected. Expanding trade with Russia not only offsets losses from the US market but also strengthens geopolitical and energy ties, reinforcing India’s diversified trade strategy.

Australia Reopens After 8 Years

Australia, which had restricted imports due to white spot virus concerns, has now permitted unpeeled shrimp from Andhra Pradesh for the first time in eight years. This move is expected to enhance India’s brand image in premium seafood markets and open avenues for processed seafood exports.

Economic Implications

With these new openings, India’s $7.4 billion seafood sector could see a 20-30% increase in exports. The government aims to raise overall exports to $12-14 billion by FY26, boosting foreign exchange earnings and reinforcing the sector’s contribution to GDP. For Andhra Pradesh, where the bulk of shrimp production is concentrated, the diversification of export markets is expected to stabilise prices and protect millions of jobs.

Geopolitical Resilience

The recent developments underline India’s ability to navigate international pressure. Faced with punitive US tariffs, the country has successfully leveraged alternate markets, strengthening trade ties with Russia, re-establishing access to Australia, and resolving longstanding EU barriers. These steps not only safeguard the domestic seafood sector but also highlight India’s strategic approach to global trade amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.