India’s shrimp exports hit hard by US tariff rise, industry eyes new markets

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India’s shrimp exports to the US are facing their biggest challenge yet.

Starting Aug. 27, Washington has imposed an extra 25% tariff on Indian exports, pushing total duties on shrimp to nearly 60%. This is a major blow to India’s $5 billion shrimp industry.

Shrimp is India’s top seafood export, with 40% heading to the US.

India’s vannamei shrimp exports in H1 2025 rose 11% on the year, as sellers rushed shipments during the 90-day tariff pause.

But now? Indian suppliers are priced out of the US market, while Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia continue to have far lower duties.

Indian shrimp prices dropped $167/mt after the tariff hike, while Ecuador shrimp rose $150/mt over the same period.

So with the US tariff spike, the Indian shrimp industry is looking to diversify their portfolios with alternate export destinations like Belgium, France, Spain and the UK.