Kochi, Nov 5 (IANS) India\u2019s seafood industry is bracing for a major hit following the recent hike in US tariffs, with stakeholders and policymakers calling for urgent market diversification, stronger value addition, and technology-led innovation to sustain export momentum.<\/p>\n
The issue dominated discussions on Wednesday at the Industry Meet held on the sidelines of the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4) at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).<\/p>\n
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Director, Dr Ram Mohan, said India\u2019s seafood exports to the US \u2014 its largest market \u2014 fell nearly 6 per cent during April\u2013September 2025.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, shipments to China, Vietnam, and Thailand showed robust growth, signalling a gradual realignment towards Asian markets. \u201cCombined with anti-dumping and countervailing duties, the effective tariff now stands at 58.26 per cent, sharply eroding India\u2019s competitiveness in its top export destination,\u201d Dr Mohan said.<\/p>\n
Emphasising the need for innovation, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Director, Dr George Ninan, said a technology-driven startup ecosystem integrating researchers, technologists, and industry players is vital for driving product innovation and value enhancement.<\/p>\n
The meet recommended reprocessing and producing high-value seafood products such as breaded squid rings, surimi, and ready-to-eat fillets to boost revenue. India\u2019s value-added seafood exports currently stand at $742 million, far behind competitors like China, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Delegates urged the creation of exclusive aquaculture zones and the fast-tracking of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to regain global competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe US has long been India\u2019s largest shrimp market, but the new tariff regime, coupled with sustainability and traceability concerns, has disrupted trade flows and hurt export earnings,\u201d said A.J. Tharakan of the Seafood Exporters Association of India.<\/p>\n
CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said stakeholder concerns from exporters and fish farmers to feed manufacturers will be compiled into a policy roadmap emerging from MECOS deliberations.<\/p>\n
The session was coordinated by Dr Joe K. Kizhakudan.<\/p>\n
\u2013IANS<\/p>\n
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