Andhra Pradesh has raised alarm over heavy losses caused by US tariffs on shrimp exports. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu estimated that the state is losing nearly ₹25,000 crores, with up to 50 per cent of export orders cancelled due to the steep duties. According to brokerage reports, seafood exports face an effective tariff of 58.56 percent—comprising a 50 per cent reciprocal tariff and an 8.56 per cent MFN tariff. India, the third-largest seafood supplier to the US, has been significantly impacted by these restrictions.
Naidu Seeks Relief as Andhra’s Shrimp Sector Faces Heavy Tariff Shock
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s dominant role, Naidu noted that the state accounts for 80 per cent of India’s shrimp exports and 34 per cent of overall marine exports, valued at ₹21,246 crores annually. The sector directly sustains 2.5 lakh families, while another 30 lakh people are employed in industries. With India’s per capita seafood consumption at only 12–13 kg annually—far below the global average of 20–30 kg—the tariff shock has further intensified vulnerabilities.
To cushion the impact, the state government persuaded aquaculture feed manufacturers to cut prices by ₹9 per kg and is exploring subsidies for power transformers. Naidu urged the Centre to step in with structural support, including boosting domestic consumption of aquaculture products, easing GST compliance, and offering financial aid. He proposed setting up a ₹100 crore corpus fund, developing cold storages and hygienic seafood markets, and improving transport facilities such as dedicated trains for aquaculture produce.
Naidu Urges Centre’s Support for Shrimp Industry
The Chief Minister also sought a one-time top-up loan of ₹1 lakh under Kisan Credit Cards for the fishing community. Stressing the need for long-term resilience, he recommended strengthening processing, packaging, and cold-chain infrastructure to tap into new global markets. Additionally, he requested regional offices of ICAR-CIBA and ICAR-NBFGR in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu has formally written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, seeking urgent intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of lakhs dependent on the state’s shrimp industry.
Summary:
Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu warned of ₹25,000 crore losses from US shrimp export tariffs, with half the orders cancelled. The state, contributing 80% of India’s shrimp exports, faces severe livelihood risks. Naidu urged Centre’s support through subsidies, financial aid, cold-chain infrastructure, and institutional backing to safeguard the sector.
