Tariff reduction by the U.S. augurs well for aquaculture sector in Andhra Pradesh, says Fisheries Minister Atchannaidu

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has welcomed the decision of the United States to reduce tariffs on Indian seafood exports to 18% from the existing 25%, describing it as a major relief for exporters and the aquaculture sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Atchannaidu said the tariff reduction, effected under the India–U.S. trade agreement, was expected to significantly benefit seafood exporters in Andhra Pradesh, particularly those engaged in aquaculture.

The earlier tariff regime, coupled with punitive duties, had pushed the effective burden to 50–58%, severely impacting shipments to the U.S. Due to the high duties, India’s seafood exports to the U.S. between April and November-2025 had declined by 15% in volume to 2.01 lakh MT, while the export value fell by 6.3% to US $1.72 billion. Frozen shrimp, India’s key export item to the U.S., was the worst-affected, the Minister said.

With tariffs now lowered to 18%, Mr. Atchannaidu said that the Indian seafood regained competitiveness in the U.S. market. Stalled export orders were expected to resume, and consignments currently held in bonded warehouses were likely to be released, he said.

The Minister projected a 10–15% increase in seafood exports to the U.S. in the months to come, with volumes expected to return to the pre-tariff level soon. He added that profit margins in seafood processing, which had fallen to 5–5.5%, could recover to 7–8%.

The Minister also said duty concessions in the Union Budget-2026 and stable demand from non-U.S. markets would further strengthen the sector, benefiting farmers, fishermen and the State’s fisheries economy.