India’s seafood exporters are anticipating a rebound in shipments to the United States after a recent trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington led to a significant reduction in U.S. import tariffs, industry officials said.
Under the deal, the U.S. cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods — including marine products — from previously punitive levels to 18 %, making Indian seafood more competitive compared with rival suppliers like Ecuador, Indonesia and Thailand.
The move is expected to help reverse a recent downturn in exports: in the April–November period of the current fiscal year, India’s seafood shipments to the U.S. declined about 15 % by volume and approximately 6 % in value due to steep duties imposed earlier.
“We are confident that with the conclusion of the trade deal and the lowering of tariffs to 18 %, the quantity of seafood exported from India to the U.S. will increase and soon return to previous levels,” said G. Pawan Kumar, President of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).
India remains one of the largest suppliers of marine products to the U.S. market, with total seafood exports valued at nearly USD 2.78 billion in 2024–25. Shrimp — a key export item — accounts for a large share of these shipments.
Industry leaders believe that the tariff cut may also help Indian exporters regain lost market share, boost fresh orders and restore confidence among U.S. buyers after months of uncertainty caused by elevated trade barriers.
While the tariff reduction does not automatically reverse all challenges faced by the sector, exporters say a more level playing field in duties could lead to increased production and help foster long-term growth in one of India’s most important maritime export categories.
