Indian Shrimp Exporters Comply with International Food Safety Norms

New Delhi, Mar 21 - The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has recently addressed concerns regarding the Indian shrimp industry, emphasizing its adherence to stringent food safety and quality standards to satisfy the import requirements of countries, notably the United States. This clarification comes against the backdrop of reports questioning the food safety and labor conditions within the sector. "Our marine sector has been diligently complying and continuously enhancing its standards to meet US shrimp import criteria," stated FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai.

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Sahai acknowledged that while there might be a few exporters not following the norms, it is not reflective of the entire industry. He also highlighted the challenges faced from the Association of Shrimp Producers of America, which is advocating for increased anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Indian shrimp to limit its market growth. Despite these pressures, Sahai pointed out that the US still relies on international imports for 80% of its shrimp requirements due to its limited domestic production capabilities.

India's seafood sector achieved a milestone in the fiscal year 2022-23, recording unprecedented exports in both volume and value. The country exported 1,735,286 tonnes of seafood, valued at Rs 63,969.14 crore (USD 8.09 billion), marking significant growth across various metrics. Compared to the previous fiscal year, there was a 26.73% increase in quantity, an 11.08% rise in rupee value, and a 4.31% growth in USD terms.

Frozen shrimp emerged as the dominant export item, contributing significantly to both quantity and value metrics. The US and China were identified as the primary importers of Indian seafood during this period. Specifically, frozen shrimp generated Rs 43,135.58 crore (USD 5,481.63 million) in revenue, accounting for 40.98% of the total quantity and 67.72% of the total USD earnings from seafood exports. The total export volume of frozen shrimps stood at 711,099 tonnes for the fiscal year 2022-23, with the USA importing 275,662 tonnes and China following with 145,743 tonnes.

The FIEO's statements and the impressive export figures underscore India's commitment to maintaining high standards in its seafood industry while navigating international trade dynamics and regulatory challenges. As Indian shrimp continues to be a significant player on the global stage, adherence to quality and safety norms remains paramount to sustaining and expanding its market presence.