Hit hard by the 50% additional US tariff, Indian seafood exporters are exploring alternative markets such as the European Union (EU), south east and middle east regions to offset some of their losses, an official said.

“Currently we are sitting on huge inventory, and we are slowly trying to get rid of it. We are trying to find alternative markets including the EU, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia for boosting exports,” Alex K Ninan, vice president, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), told FE.

Ninan said that exporters are exploring Egypt as a new destination of seafood exports and discussions are on to solve tax related issues.

US tariffs create 60% duty disadvantage for shrimp

Industry officials said the seafood exports have been ‘hit hard’ as effective duties imposed by the US have been increased to 59.71% which includes countervailing (5.76%) and anti-dumping duties (3.96%) along with a 50% tariff announced for India by President Donald Trump.

The tariff by the US has put Indian seafood at a major disadvantage compared to competitors like Ecuador (15%), Vietnam (20%), and Thailand (19%) tariff.

Ninan of SEAI said due to the commerce ministry’s intervention the EU has approved 102 additional fishery units for shipments.

This move is expected to help cushion the impact of US tariffs on India and help seafood exporters to make inroads into the European market.

The major markets for Indian marine products shipments in the EU are Belgium, Spain, and Italy. With the India–EFTA trade agreement commencing on October 1, 2025, it is also expected to enhance market access to other markets, including Norway and Switzerland.

EU market and new trade pacts offer critical diversification

India’s seafood exports, mostly frozen shrimp, were $ 7.45 billion or Rs 62,408 crore in FY25, with the United States having a share of 35% ($ 2.8 billion).

The EU is the third-largest seafood export destination for India after China, accounting for 15.10% of India’s total exports. The exports to the EU last fiscal year was valued at $ 1.12 billion.

Last month, after meeting with seafood exporters and stakeholders, fisheries minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan said that several markets including the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Russia and other markets present opportunities for seafood exporters.

Hit by tariffs exceeding 59% tariff by the US, India’s shrimp export volumes are expected to decline by 15% -18% in the current fiscal, rating firm Crisil Ratings has recently stated.

To discuss trade barriers, market access and sustainability, India will host the 13TH World Seafood Congress in Chennai in February, 2026 being organised by the Department of Fisheries and International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI), a United Nation recognised organisation.