Fri Apr 04 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## US Tariffs on Shrimp Devastate Andhra Pradesh’s Aqua Industry
**Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh:** The shrimp farming industry in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, is facing a severe crisis following a sharp drop in prices triggered by new US tariffs on imported shrimp. The price per kilogram has plummeted by up to ₹40 in just hours, leaving farmers and workers struggling.
The US, under President Trump’s administration, recently imposed higher tariffs on shrimp imported from India. This has had an immediate and devastating impact on Andhra Pradesh, a major shrimp exporter. The state, particularly West Godavari district, accounts for a significant portion of India’s shrimp exports, with an estimated 1.20 lakh acres dedicated to shrimp farming and an annual production of 4 lakh tonnes, 3.5 lakh tonnes of which are exported. This represents a ₹18,000 crore industry, heavily reliant on foreign markets.
Farmers report a drastic price decrease, with the price of 100-count shrimp dropping from ₹240 per kg to ₹200 per kg overnight. While only shrimp of certain sizes (40, 30, and 20 count) are typically exported to the US, traders are using the tariffs as an excuse to lower prices across all sizes, impacting farmers significantly. The situation has worsened with a reported lack of buyers and traders refusing to purchase shrimp.
This crisis is not only affecting farmers but also the numerous laborers who depend on the aqua industry for their livelihoods. The combination of disease outbreaks, previous price fluctuations, and high investment costs has already placed immense pressure on the sector. The new US tariffs are compounding these existing problems, threatening the economic stability of an entire region.
First Piper 