India’s seafood industry is set to resume large-scale shrimp exports to the United States, with plans to ship between 35,000 to 40,000 tons following a welcome pause in proposed tariff hikes. This decision comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s announcement on April 9, 2025, to delay a 26% reciprocal tariff, instead maintaining a 10% flat rate on imports from all countries except China, which remains under a steep 145% duty.
The announcement has allowed Indian exporters to clear nearly 2,000 containers of shrimp that had previously been stalled due to concerns over the anticipated tariff. The Secretary General of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, K N Raghavan, stated that this relief gives Indian exporters an opportunity to meet existing demand in the US market without incurring additional costs.
At present, Indian shrimp exports to the US face an effective duty of 17.7%, comprising both countervailing and anti-dumping duties. Most exporters absorb these charges themselves, impacting their margins. However, the 90-day suspension of the higher tariff has created a critical window to process pending shipments without bearing the brunt of the proposed increase.
The US continues to be India’s top destination for shrimp, with exports reaching approximately $2.7 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year. This pause not only revives immediate trade activity but also brings hope for longer-term negotiations. Mr. Raghavan has emphasized the need for the Indian government to advocate for fairer trade conditions during upcoming discussions before the temporary relief period expires.
With orders from the US remaining steady and logistical preparations underway, Indian seafood exporters are poised to take advantage of this brief but important reprieve, ensuring their products reach American consumers and keeping the industry’s momentum alive.
