Andhra Pradesh, whose shrimp industry has been hit hard by US tariffs, is now looking to Australia as an alternative market. N Lokesh Naidu, the state’s IT and HRD Minister and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, said during his seven-day tour of Australia that the government there may ease restrictions on importing Indian prawns.
A longstanding challenge for Indian seafood exporters has been Australia’s ban on unpeeled prawns due to concerns over the white spot virus. Lokesh announced that following “extensive work” by the Indian and Australian governments, the first import approval for Indian prawns has been granted. He emphasized the importance of diversifying markets to reduce dependence on any single country.
During his visit under the Special Visitors Program, Lokesh met with members of the Australian Seafood Association to help Andhra Pradesh exporters explore new markets amid US tariffs. He also engaged with university leaders, CEOs, and skills ministers to identify opportunities for the state’s youth. The draft import permit issued by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be valid for two years from October 20, 2025.
Lokesh also met representatives of Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), including CEO Veronica Papacosta, in Parramatta near Sydney. Founded in 2017, SIA represents more than 30,000 members across wild catch, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors. Lokesh requested SIA to organize trade missions and networking programs connecting Andhra Pradesh marine exporters with Australian buyers, and to facilitate partnerships to expand the Indian seafood market.
He highlighted the state’s advances in processing, cold chain management, and packaging that improve product quality and shelf life. Lokesh also suggested sharing expertise on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, promoting Andhra Pradesh’s seafood cuisine, and undertaking joint initiatives to attract culinary tourism.
Andhra Pradesh accounts for 80% of India’s shrimp exports and 34% of its marine exports, worth around Rs 21,246 crore annually, supporting over 30 lakh people. The US tariffs, which rose to nearly 60% after additional duties announced by Trump, are estimated to have cost the state roughly Rs 25,000 crore in shrimp exports, with around half of orders cancelled.
