In the aftermath of Trump Tariffs, Andhra Pradesh’s shrimp industry has witnessed a drop in seafood exports. Interestingly, now the state is looking to Australia as an alternative market. Notably, N Lokesh Babu, the state’s IT and HRD Minister and son of CM Chandrababu Naidu, has stated that the Australian Government might relax limits on the prawn imports during a 7-day tour of the country. He said that a long-standing hurdle for Indian seafood exporters was Australia’s restrictions on unpeeled prawns because of the white spot virus detection. He announced that after extensive work done by the Indian and Australian governments, the first import approval for Indian prawns has been granted.
N Lokesh Babu’s seven-day tour to escalate the seafood exports
His tour for seven days learning and partnership under the Special Visitors Program comprises his meeting and interaction with members of the Australian seafood association to help in discovering new markets for escalation of the seafood exports amid US tariffs, besides interacting with university leaders, CEO’s and skills ministers to unfold avenues for AP’s youth. Notably, the draft permit to import conditionally non-prohibited goods by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry is for two years from October 20, 2025.
AP unveils advanced technologies for seafood exports
Furthermore, he stated that AP has unveiled advanced technologies in processing, cold chain management, and packaging to improve the quality and shelf life of aqua products. Various recommendations were to share expertise with AP aqua industry players for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management to enhance productivity along with decrease the environmental impact, and to boost AP’s seafood industry.