No impact of U.S.-Iran war on aqua exports: APSADA

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are not expected to have any significant impact on seafood exports from the state, Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) Co-vice Chairman Anam Venkataramana Reddy said during a press conference at Fisheries Joint Director office in Nellore on Wednesday.

Provide guidance to the shrimp farmers in the state, he announced that only about 3–4% of India’s seafood exports are destined for Middle East countries through the Strait of Harmuz. The seafood containers to all other countries such as EU, USA, Japan and China go unhindered through Red Sea-Suez canal, Cape of Good Hope route, and China sea respectively.

The APSADA Co-vice Chairman informed that panic has arisen among some aqua farmers due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, leading to concerns regarding seafood exports, and resulting in tendencies toward premature or panic harvesting. He advised the farmers not to resort to panic harvesting based on unverified information or rumours.

He further said that the demand from the US market is expected to improve by the end of this month, particularly after the upcoming Seafood Expo North America scheduled on 15–17 March 2026 in Boston. The US market generally offers good demand for shrimp sizes of 50 and 60 counts, which are commonly produced by farmers in AP.

Thrashing the rumours on shortage of shipping containers, Mr. Anam said that the US tariff on Indian shrimp is around 20%, including basic duty, anti-dumping duty (ADD), and countervailing duty (CVD), which is comparable to tariffs imposed on several competing countries, thereby maintaining India’s competitive position in the global seafood market.

He further revealed that the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are expected to enhance market access and further boost seafood exports from India in the coming years. He asked the farmers to follow their planned aquaculture cycles and harvest schedules in consultation with exporters and fisheries officials to get good prices.

The government and the Department of Fisheries are closely monitoring international developments and are in constant coordination with exporters, processing units, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth continuation of seafood exports from the state. The farmers are requested to remain calm and continue aquaculture operations in a scientific manner without believing the rumours.