In response to a significant tariff increase by the United States, India’s seafood sector is strategically pivoting towards new Asian markets and focusing on product innovation to counter the financial blow. Industry leaders and policymakers are advocating for a multi-pronged approach to maintain export growth amidst growing economic pressures.
The challenge was a central theme at the recent Industry Meet during the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4), hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
The new US tariff structure has created a major hurdle for Indian exporters. Dr. Ram Mohan, Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), revealed that with the addition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties, the effective tariff has surged to a staggering 58.26%. This has directly impacted trade, with India’s seafood exports to the US—its largest traditional market—declining by nearly 6% between April and September 2025. This sharp rise in costs has significantly diminished the competitiveness of Indian seafood in a key market.
However, the industry is already adapting to this new reality. Data shows that shipments to Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand, have demonstrated robust growth. This indicates a strategic and gradual shift in focus from West to East, opening up new revenue streams to offset the losses from the US market.
To further bolster the industry’s resilience, experts are calling for a greater emphasis on innovation and value-added products. Dr. George Ninan, Director of the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), stressed the need for a technology-focused startup ecosystem. Such a system would bring together researchers, technologists, and industry players to drive innovation and enhance product value.
The consensus from the meet was a move away from raw exports towards high-value processed items. Products like breaded squid rings, surimi, and ready-to-eat fillets were recommended as key areas for growth. Currently, India’s value-added seafood exports are valued at $742 million, lagging behind competitors such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia. Closing this gap is now a top priority.
“The new tariff regime, combined with existing concerns around sustainability and traceability, has disrupted trade flows and hurt our export earnings,” noted A.J. Tharakan of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, highlighting the complex challenges facing the sector.
To regain a competitive edge on the global stage, industry delegates also pushed for critical policy reforms, including the establishment of exclusive aquaculture zones and the acceleration of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
CMFRI Director Dr. Grinson George assured that all concerns and strategic recommendations from stakeholders—from exporters and fish farmers to feed manufacturers—would be consolidated into a comprehensive policy roadmap following the MECOS deliberations. This collaborative effort aims to chart a sustainable and profitable course for India’s vital seafood industry.
editor
6 November 2025