Fri Sep 05 17:57:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, summarizing the situation and highlighting the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture industry:

**The Hindu: India Edition**

**US Tariffs Devastate Andhra Pradesh’s “Aqua Hub,” Threatening Livelihoods**

**Vijayawada, India – September 5, 2025** – A new 25% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian imports is sending shockwaves through Andhra Pradesh’s thriving aquaculture industry, jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless families dependent on seafood exports. The state, known as the “Aqua Hub of India” for its substantial contribution (over 30%) to the nation’s seafood exports, is facing a crisis as the U.S. market, which absorbs over 34% of India’s sea exports, becomes increasingly inaccessible.

The tariff, which came into effect in two phases in August, is already impacting the price of shrimp and fish, squeezing profit margins for farmers and leading to job losses in processing plants. Many units have halted operations due to fall in price, leaving thousands of predominantly female labourers like Sharada Devi from Odisha facing unemployment and financial hardship.

Sharada, who migrated to Andhra Pradesh with her family a decade ago to work in a shrimp-processing plant, now worries about covering her family’s expenses. Her story is representative of the hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from across India who have flocked to the state in search of work in the booming aquaculture sector.

“My entire family depends on my income,” says Sharada Devi. “I have been working in these fish farms for the past 10 years. My husband used to work, too, until he became sick. Two of our children are about to join college now.”

Andhra Pradesh boasts vast inland waterbodies that are home to a large number of shrimp and fish farms. These farms have grown for the past four decades, exporting produce to the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the globe. Now, however, the new tariffs threaten to upend their lives.

The state government and industry leaders are scrambling to find solutions. The Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) is planning to establish the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Council (APPPC) to bolster domestic consumption, promote domestic sales in other states, improve marketing, and eliminate middlemen. They also plan to promote the benefits of marine product consumption to increase domestic demand.

Uddaraju Kasi Viswanadha Raju, chairman of the Ananda Group, suggests the government exempt aquaculture farmers from income tax, treat aquaculture like agriculture, and pursue a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Russia to diversify export markets.

Commissioner of Fisheries Rama Shankar Naik indicated the department is focused on diversification of aquaculture, promoting fish varieties with good demand in the market and planning seafood festivals and exhibitions to increase awareness.

Seafood Exporters Association of India Andhra Pradesh unit president K. Anand Kumar, along with Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (A.P.-Chambers) president Potluri Bhaskara Rao, are urging the central government to intervene and provide a package to support the struggling aqua farmers.

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