Will the Shrimp Tariff Hike Propel India’s Seafood Market to New Heights?

Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane recently commented on the rise in U.S. tariffs on shrimp imports from India. He views this shift not as a setback, but as a chance to grow the domestic seafood market. Rane believes that focusing on local consumption can support farmers and fishermen, especially under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Last week, the U.S. increased tariffs from 25% to as high as 50% on Indian shrimp, disrupting exports worth around $2 billion. The Seafood Export Association of India noted that these new duties put Indian shrimp at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Vietnam and Thailand, which face lower tariffs. In fact, India exported $2.8 billion worth of shrimp to the U.S. in 2024 alone.

Rane encouraged consumers to boost the use of prawns locally, stating, “If we increase prawn consumption domestically, it will help support our farmers and the economy.” He emphasized that while Europe and Vietnam are good markets for exports, it’s essential to prioritize the local market.

Interestingly, a recent report indicated that while India’s overall fishery production has declined, Maharashtra’s output has actually risen, thanks to beneficial policies from the state government.

Concerns over Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock, one of the oldest fish landing sites, have also been raised. Rane assured that it would not close and is actively seeking solutions to ongoing legal challenges regarding its operations. The Bombay High Court emphasized the need for modernization at the docks to prevent pollution.

This situation reflects a broader trend in global trade, where countries are reassessing their markets and prioritizing local production. Understanding these shifts can provide valuable insights into the future of both the seafood industry and domestic economic policies.



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indian shrimp, us tariffs, seafood market, nitesh rane, aatmanirbhar bharat