Nara Lokesh’s Visit to Australia Yields Positive Outcome for Shrimp Industry
Australia has conditionally approved the import of Indian shrimp after an eight-year hiatus, bringing significant relief to farmers in Andhra Pradesh, who contribute nearly 80 percent of India’s shrimp exports. The development comes as a major boost to the aquaculture sector, which has been reeling from high tariffs imposed by the United States.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT & Electronics and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, who is currently on an official visit to Australia, announced the decision on X. “A long-standing hurdle for Indian marine exporters has been resolved. The restrictions imposed due to the White Spot Virus have been lifted, and the first import approval for Indian shrimp has been granted. This is a major breakthrough for the industry,” Nara Lokesh stated.
Australia had banned the import of unpeeled shrimp from India in January 2017 after detecting traces of the White Spot Virus in certain consignments. Since then, exporters have faced considerable setbacks. The situation worsened when, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States levied tariffs as high as 59.72 percent on Indian shrimp, causing heavy financial losses to Andhra Pradesh’s shrimp farmers. As nearly 70 percent of the state’s shrimp exports were earlier directed to the U.S. market, the reopening of the Australian market marks a vital turning point for the industry.
Former Legislative Council member and Chief Minister’s Program Coordinator Manthena Satyanarayana Raju described the decision as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture growth. “After entering the Russian market recently, gaining access to the Australian market marks another historic step for our aqua sector. Nara Lokesh’s dedication to farmers and youth welfare has once again been demonstrated through this achievement,” he said.
He added that despite the obstacles posed by U.S. tariffs, Nara Lokesh’s efforts helped reestablish cooperation between governments and revive confidence among aqua farmers. “This is a proud moment for India. The coalition government remains committed to improving the economic strength and welfare of aqua farmers,” he stated.
Industry experts, however, noted that Australia’s approval comes with strict conditions. “Only shrimp raised organically in disease-free zones will be permitted for import. The existing requirements that shrimp be deveined and shipped in frozen condition also continue to apply,” said Dileep Maddukuri, a representative of Hysper Brand Labs in Auckland.
Industry observers believe the move will open new export avenues for Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers, who are struggling to overcome challenges in the U.S. market.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT & Electronics and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, who is currently on an official visit to Australia, announced the decision on X. “A long-standing hurdle for Indian marine exporters has been resolved. The restrictions imposed due to the White Spot Virus have been lifted, and the first import approval for Indian shrimp has been granted. This is a major breakthrough for the industry,” Nara Lokesh stated.
Australia had banned the import of unpeeled shrimp from India in January 2017 after detecting traces of the White Spot Virus in certain consignments. Since then, exporters have faced considerable setbacks. The situation worsened when, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States levied tariffs as high as 59.72 percent on Indian shrimp, causing heavy financial losses to Andhra Pradesh’s shrimp farmers. As nearly 70 percent of the state’s shrimp exports were earlier directed to the U.S. market, the reopening of the Australian market marks a vital turning point for the industry.
Former Legislative Council member and Chief Minister’s Program Coordinator Manthena Satyanarayana Raju described the decision as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture growth. “After entering the Russian market recently, gaining access to the Australian market marks another historic step for our aqua sector. Nara Lokesh’s dedication to farmers and youth welfare has once again been demonstrated through this achievement,” he said.
He added that despite the obstacles posed by U.S. tariffs, Nara Lokesh’s efforts helped reestablish cooperation between governments and revive confidence among aqua farmers. “This is a proud moment for India. The coalition government remains committed to improving the economic strength and welfare of aqua farmers,” he stated.
Industry experts, however, noted that Australia’s approval comes with strict conditions. “Only shrimp raised organically in disease-free zones will be permitted for import. The existing requirements that shrimp be deveined and shipped in frozen condition also continue to apply,” said Dileep Maddukuri, a representative of Hysper Brand Labs in Auckland.
Industry observers believe the move will open new export avenues for Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers, who are struggling to overcome challenges in the U.S. market.