Say these trade agreements augur well for the Sector
Following the announcements on the much-anticipated India-EU Trade deal and the India-USA trade deal the country’s seafood exporters have come out cheering the news of these trade agreements and have lauded Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and India’s commerce minister Mr Piyush Goyal for their untiring efforts in achieving this.
Albeit these free trade agreements have yet to be finalised and signed by the respective authorities, Seafood exporters hail these developments for bringing in much needed relief to the seafood exporters.
“These two significant trade developments have provided timely relief and renewed confidence to the Indian seafood export sector” said Mr Gunturu Pawan Kumar, President of the seafood exporters association of India (SEAI) addressing media personnel in the city of Vizag today.
FTA with EU
Speaking on the seafood exports to the European Union (EU) Mr Gunturu said that the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union has emerged as a major positive development for the sector.
He apprised the gathering that the FTA will reduce import duty on Indian seafood exports to the EU from prevailing levels of 4.2%–7.5% to Nil, providing Indian exporters a level playing field with global competitors.
It was informed that for FY 25, India exported seafood valued at approximately USD 1.1 billion to the European Union.
“Even though the trade deal is yet to be signed, seafood exports for the period April–November 2025, to the EU increased by 28% in quantity terms and by 37.8% in value terms compared to the corresponding period of the previous year” noted Mr Gunturu.
He also attributed the listing of 102 new Indian fishery units by the EU to have resulted in a strong surge in exports.
Some of the key export countries for Indian exporters in the European market include France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain.
Exports to USA
Commenting on the news of the India-USA trade deal SEAI’s president stated that the United States continues to remain the largest market for Indian seafood, with exports valued at USD 2.78 billion in 2024–25.
He therefore hailed the news of the India-US trade deal to be of much significance as the sector had been reeling under an imposition of punitive tariffs of up to 50% since last August 2025 which had severely impacted exports, leading to a decline of about 6.3% in value terms and nearly 15% in quantity terms during the period April–November 2025.
“We at SEAI thus welcome the conclusion of the trade deal with the USA, which has resulted in lowering of tariffs to 18%, thereby restoring competitiveness and market access for Indian seafood exports,” said Mr Gunturu.
Exports out of Andhra Pradesh
Identifying the state of Andhra Pradesh to be a paramount state for seafood exports Mr K. Anand Kumar, President, Seafood Exporters Association of India (AP region) said that the state of AP continues to play a dominant role in export of frozen shrimps (Vannamei).
As per estimates around 30% of the nation’s marine exports go from the state.
AP has the highest number of food processing units with world class facilities, said Mr Anand Kumar.
He also hailed the efforts of the AP’s Minister Mr Nara Lokesh for pushing for AP-Australia seafood trade and exploring ways to enhance trade between the two regions.
Freight Costs
SEAI’s president acknowledged that container freight rates remain a challenge and that they have been in discussions with the ministry of shipping regarding this.
“Following our past experiences of skyrocketing container freight we have flagged the issue to the highest level in the ministry of shipping,” said Mr Gunturu.
Educating Farmers
Mr DSK Dileep, Secretary SEAI, AP region greatly emphasised the need for sensitizing farmers on the necessary registration and certifications that are required.
“Today all the countries stress on traceability norms and are moving towards zero tolerance towards the use of antibiotics,” said Mr Dileep.
