Indian marine sector: EU approves 102 more marine units; shrimp exporters to get relief from US tariffs

The European Union has shown green light for exports of 102 additional Indian marine establishments, offering an immediate 20% increase in shipments to the bloc, officials said.The development comes at a crucial time, as seafood exports to the EU stood at $1.1 billion in FY24, cementing the region’s role as a vital market for Indian producers. It gives a major boost to the country’s seafood sector, taking the total number of approved establishments to 604. The announcement coincides with the ongoing 13th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the EU, highlighting growing confidence between the trading partners.A commerce ministry official told ANI that the approval "shows EU confidence in our standards" and reflects "significant improvements in our standards." The official also added that it "reflects overall optimism between India and the EU" and is an "important confidence-building measure."Calling the development "a big boost for Indian exports," the official noted that "numerous meetings have been held" to resolve non-tariff barriers between the two regions.

Officials expect the approval will also "smooth FTA negotiations" as both sides continue addressing trade obstacles and expanding bilateral commerce.The timing is particularly significant for India’s shrimp sector, one of the hardest hit by recent US tariff measures. The EU’s new approvals are expected to offer relief and alternative markets for shrimp exporters seeking diversification. With all major seafood establishments now listed for EU exports, Indian exporters can better meet European demand across multiple marine product categories.The EU remains India’s second-largest seafood export market after the United States, followed by China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, ANI reported.Industry experts have described the listing as a landmark step for India’s seafood trade. The addition of 102 establishments is among the largest single expansions of EU-approved facilities, potentially transforming the scale and scope of bilateral seafood commerce.