Trump's Tariffs Devastate Indian Shrimp Industry, Threatening U.S. Market

Trump's tariffs have hit Indian shrimp farmers hard. U.S. imports drop, and the future of the industry hangs in the balance.

, and Administrator

2025 October 25 . 10:01 AM

1 min read

In this image at the bottom there is one plate in that place there are some prawns and some food... — In this image at the bottom there is one plate in that place there are some prawns and some food items.

Trump's Tariffs Devastate Indian Shrimp Industry, Threatening U.S. Market

President Trump's tariffs on Indian industries have had a significant impact on the shrimp market, with Indian shrimp farmers and exporters struggling to maintain their presence in the U.S. market.

In August 2021, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on many Indian industries, which later increased to 50% as punishment for buying Russian oil. This has priced Indian shrimp exporters out of the American market, leading to a significant reduction in shrimp imports from India. Historically, India supplied about 2 out of every 5 pounds of shrimp in the U.S. However, the tariffs have caused a substantial decline in demand from the U.S., leaving shrimp farmers, traders, and exporters in India struggling to maintain their businesses.

Shrimp farmer Rajakrishnan Raju is one such individual who may lose thousands of dollars this year due to the tariffs. In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, shrimp exports are an economic backbone, and the industry is now facing severe challenges. Economist Shoumitro Chatterjee predicts that industries hit by Trump's tariffs may be completely thrown out of the U.S. market, raising concerns about the future of the Indian shrimp industry. Meanwhile, the Southern Shrimp Alliance in the U.S. supports the tariffs, citing immediate relief for the American shrimp industry.

The future of Indian shrimp exports to the U.S. remains uncertain. Organizations like the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) may need to engage in negotiations or find alternative markets to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. Addressing the power dynamics in the shrimp market, as suggested by Katrina Nakamura from the Sustainability Incubator, could potentially provide long-term solutions for both Indian shrimp farmers and the U.S. market.