Temporary relief for Indian aqua farmers as Trump pauses 26% tariff

Temporary relief for aqua farmers as US President Trump pauses 26% tariff on Indian seafood products for 90 days.

Aqua farmers and stakeholders received temporary relief after US President Donald Trump paused the 26% tariff on Indian seafood products for 90 days.

“Seafood exporters should resume shipment to the US immediately, as Mr. Trump froze the prevailing tariff, saving aqua farmers,” said farmer Kota Ramu of Bantumilli in Krishna district on Thursday.

Producers and traders are urging the State and Central governments to negotiate a better trade deal with the US President, and farmers have appealed to the Aquaculture Advisory Committee seeking a Free Trade Agreement with the US.

Exports to the US, which imports the largest volume of seafood products from India had stopped after Trump announced reciprocal tariff on April 2. G. Sivaram a farmer from Veeravassram in West Godavari district said: “We suffered huge losses due to fall in prices over the last few days. The AP State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) should monitor the prices of shrimp regularly.”

While exports to the US had stop, it was business as usual as exports to China, Japan, Southeast Asia and other countries continued said representatives of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).

SEAI AP President K. Anand Kumar said: “We are reviewing the situation from time to time with SEAI leaders of other States.”