The recent imposition of tariffs by the United States is expected to have a long-term effect on India’s trade, with marine exports emerging as one of the most affected sectors. The Commerce Ministry has informed the Public Accounts Committee that shrimp exports and other seafood products will face significant challenges due to increased U.S. tariffs, which could affect the competitiveness of Indian products in the global market.

Impact on Marine Exports

Marine exports, particularly shrimp, are among the top contributors to India’s seafood export revenue. With the U.S. being a major importer of Indian seafood, the tariffs are likely to reduce demand, squeeze profit margins for exporters, and create uncertainty in trade flows. Industry experts warn that prolonged tariffs could result in financial stress for small and medium-sized export firms, who rely heavily on U.S. markets.

The Commerce Ministry emphasized that while the short-term effect may be disruptive, there is a strong focus on strategic measures to ensure long-term sustainability and market stability for Indian seafood exporters.

Steps Towards Market Diversification

To mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, the government is actively pursuing market diversification strategies. Special Secretary officials outlined measures including pushing for registration of additional Indian export units in the European Union. This step will allow more products to access EU markets, reducing dependency on U.S. imports.

In addition, India is engaging in bilateral discussions with other countries to explore alternative markets for marine products. These discussions aim to identify new trade opportunities, strengthen export partnerships, and ensure that Indian seafood remains competitive globally.

Policy and Industry Response

The Centre’s proactive approach includes supporting exporters with compliance, certification, and logistics improvements. Exporters are encouraged to upgrade facilities to meet international standards, which will facilitate smoother access to diversified markets. Industry associations have welcomed government efforts but emphasize the need for speedy implementation of market expansion initiatives to offset the negative effects of U.S. tariffs.

The government is also considering financial support schemes to help small exporters adapt to the shift in trade dynamics, ensuring that overall export growth remains on track despite external pressures.

Outlook

While the U.S. tariffs present challenges, India’s marine export sector has a resilient outlook due to increasing global demand for seafood and proactive diversification efforts. Analysts predict that the focus on new markets in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions will gradually reduce reliance on U.S. imports, allowing Indian exporters to maintain revenue streams.

The Commerce Ministry’s engagement with international partners underscores India’s strategic approach to global trade, ensuring that sectors impacted by external tariffs are supported and remain competitive in the long term.

Conclusion

U.S. tariffs are expected to have a substantial long-term effect on India’s marine exports, especially shrimp. The Indian government is taking measures to diversify export markets, register more units in the EU, and engage with other countries to mitigate the impact. With proactive policy support and international collaboration, India aims to sustain growth in seafood exports despite trade challenges.

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