U.S. tariff hike | Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu urges Centre to bail aqua farmers out of crisis

The 27% import responsibility on Indian shrimp exports is inflicting vital losses to the aquafarming neighborhood, says Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written a letter to Union Minister of Commerce and Trade Piyush Goyal, urging him to prolong his help to the aquaculture sector within the State, which is struggling large losses due to the U.S. tariff hike.

Mr. Naidu has requested the Union Minister to take steps to exempt aqua merchandise from the tariffs and shield the farmers

Within the letter dated April 6, 2025 (Sunday), Mr. Naidu stated the fisheries sector performed an important position within the State’s GDP.

“The aqua farmers are in search of help on this hour of crisis. The U.S. has imposed 27% import tariff on marine meals exports from India. Through the monetary 12 months 2023–24, India had exported marine meals merchandise price US $2.55 billion to the U.S., with shrimp accounting for 92%. The 27% import responsibility on Indian shrimp exports is inflicting vital losses to the aquafarming neighborhood,” Mr. Naidu defined.

‘Unfair benefit’

Nations comparable to Ecuador have been imposed solely 10% tariff, giving them an unfair benefit over India. As well as, Indian exporters have been already bearing a 5.77% Countervailing Responsibility (CVD). Combining all tariffs, there was practically a 20% responsibility hole between India and Ecuador, he stated.

Within the European Union, Indian exporters face 50% inspection charges, 4–7% import duties, and different non-tariff obstacles. Nations comparable to Vietnam, which have Free Commerce Agreements (FTA) with the EU, take pleasure in zero-duty entry, enabling them to dominate the European market, he stated.

“Nations comparable to Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan are shopping for Indian seafood, processing it, and re-exporting it to the U.S. Nonetheless, due to the excessive taxes imposed on ultimate merchandise, these international locations at the moment are canceling orders from India,” the Chief Minister stated.

The brand new U.S. tariffs got here into impact on April 5, 2025. These tariffs impression all present exports to the U.S. Merchandise already harvested, packed, and saved in chilly storages or ports as per earlier orders would now face this extra tariff burden, he stated.

Mr. Naidu requested the Union Authorities to maintain discussions with the U.S. and take steps to embody shrimp within the tariff exemption listing. “Well timed intervention out of your aspect will assist safeguard the livelihood of lakhs of individuals who depend upon aquaculture,” Mr. Naidu stated.