India’s shrimp industry fears damage from Trump tariffs

India, a country whose shrimp farmers rely heavily on exports to the United States, has been rattled by the US tariffs. Frozen shrimp is a leading export item for India, generating about 4.9 billion dollars in fiscal 2023. And the US is its largest market. Now, the industry, which employs more than 2 million, has been deeply shocked by Trump’s tariff policy. The Indian government says the US has imposed a tariff of 27 percent, which is currently on pause. The move is already affecting shrimp farmers, who are just starting their harvest season. India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state is a major contributor to country’s shrimp exports. One farmer there says the market price is seeing a drop ahead of the higher tariffs. He had no choice but to sell his shrimp for about 20 percent less than usual. The farmer says this is a blow to a business with a small profit margin that is already facing rising costs for feed, labor and fuel. And the feed he buys is a US import. He says: “We are already facing difficulties. I would say to President Trump: it’s not fair to burden us in this way, he can raise tariffs a little, but not like this.” A farmers’ organization is calling on the government to negotiate with the US. Madhu Mohan Talluri, an aquaculture expert who supports the organization, says the business will not remain viable if the higher rate continues.