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Amidst the heavy tariff pressure of America, India has created a strong backup for its export sector by opening new markets like European Union, Russia and Australia. The approval received from these countries will bring economic relief to India, especially it will handle the export dependence of states like Andhra Pradesh, save employment and increase foreign exchange earnings.
New Delhi. America had imposed a tariff of about 50 percent on Indian seafood and shrimp in August 2025, due to which the back of states like Andhra Pradesh started breaking because the same country used to take 70 percent of the total shrimp exports. Amidst this setback, the Indian government has given a strong backup to the export sector by resolving the stuck issues with big markets like EU, Russia and Australia. This step is not just a relief, but an important step taken towards reducing global dependence in a strategic manner.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that for the last nine years, the EU had imposed a ban on Indian seafood due to quality orders. India has now resolved this issue by putting continuous pressure and now permission has been given to send 102 Indian fisheries to Europe. This is not just an approval, but it is a sign of increased confidence in India’s food safety and quality system at the international level. EU is a premium market, where shrimp and fish command high values. This is likely to increase the income of both farmers and exporters.
Russia became a big option
Russia has already been a reliable market for India, especially at a time when Western politics is alienating Russia. Goyal said that Russia is soon going to give final approval to 25 fisheries of India.
With this, exports will go further compared to markets like China and Vietnam and India will benefit in maintaining geopolitical balance. Increasing trade with Russia also further strengthens energy and oil cooperation.
Australia also opened the door
Australia has also allowed import of unpeeled shrimp from Andhra Pradesh for the first time after eight years. Earlier this door was closed due to white spot virus case. This step is like giving India’s seafood sector re-entry into high quality countries. This will improve India’s brand image and there will be many opportunities for processed seafood in future.
Maximum relief to Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh’s share in India’s total shrimp exports is about 80 percent. The path to selling up to 70 percent of shrimp to America in one fell swoop was greatly shortened. This was going to have a big impact on farmers and fisheries. But with the opening of markets like EU, Russia and Australia, Andhra farmers will start getting good prices again. Lakhs of jobs will be protected by export diversification.
Economic benefit: Exports expected to increase by 20-30%
India could have suffered huge losses due to American tariffs, but now with the opening of new markets
- 20 to 30 percent increase in total seafood exports is possible
- India’s $7.4 billion seafood sector will stabilize again
- Government aims to take exports to twelve to fourteen billion dollars by FY26
By entering new markets, India’s foreign exchange earnings will also increase and its contribution to GDP will also strengthen.
Geopolitical victory: India shows that it does not bow under pressure
By imposing tariffs, America had indicated that it would have to pay a price for purchasing oil from Russia. But India responded to this by trade diversification.
- putting pressure on EU
- increasing trade with russia
- To win back a tough market like Australia
