Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged Union Minister Piyush Goyal to hold talks with the United States over the new tax imposed by the Trump administration on India’s aqua exports. While some initially dismissed the appeal as unrealistic, the gravity of the situation reveals otherwise.
The U.S. has imposed a hefty 34% tax on Indian aqua products, which is expected to cause a major setback to the Indian aqua industry. “This will place an enormous financial burden on exporters. Only crops with 30 count shrimp may survive, while other high-value varieties will likely disappear,” said Mr. Uday Kishan Cherukuneedi, Managing Director of Uday Aqua Connects. He added, “Governments must intervene immediately. Though we hope the dialogue has already begun, even with support, it will take at least a month for the industry to stabilize.”
India exports nearly 20 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of aqua products annually, valued at around ₹75,000 crore. Andhra Pradesh alone contributes 34% of this volume, making it the backbone of India’s aqua exports. The state has nearly 4 lakh acres under aquaculture, supporting 1.4 lakh farmers directly.
The new U.S. tax is causing widespread concern among farmers, exporters, and allied workers. The ripple effect is expected to disrupt the livelihoods of several lakh families who are directly or indirectly dependent on this sector.
Industry leaders and stakeholders across Andhra Pradesh are urging both state and central governments to intervene urgently and find a resolution. The hope is that diplomatic engagement will ease the burden and protect one of India's most vital export sectors.
