Australia has lifted its long-standing ban on importing unpeeled shrimps from India, bringing major relief to the country’s shrimp exporters. The announcement was made by India’s Minister for ITEC and HRD, Nara Lokesh, during his visit to Australia this week.
The ban was first imposed after white spot virus was detected in Indian shrmp. This restriction badly hurt exporters—especially in Andhra Pradesh, India’s top shrimp-producing state—forcing them to rely heavily on the US market. When the US later imposed high tariffs on Indian seafood, exporters began talks with Australia to reopen trade.
On the third day of his visit, Lokesh confirmed that Australia had approved the first import of Indian shrimp. “A long-standing hurdle for Indian seafood exporters has been removed,” he said on X (formerly Twitter). “The first import approval for Indian shrimp has been granted.”
Lokesh said the move would boost India’s aquaculture exports and reduce dependence on a single market. He thanked both governments for working together to resolve the issue and support seafood trade.
During his trip, Lokesh met officials from Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), including CEO Veronica Papacosta and engagement manager Jasmine Kelleher. They discussed possible partnerships in seafood processing, quality improvement, and expanding imports from India.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s dominance in seafood exports—accounting for more than 60% of India’s aquaculture output—Lokesh noted that the state exported 16.98 million tons worth $7.4 billion in 2024–25. He called for stronger trade ties, technology exchange, and investment in cold chain and packaging facilities to improve quality and sustainability.
Lokesh also encouraged cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable aquaculture, adding that seafood trade could further strengthen India-Australia economic relations.
Seafood Industry Australia, representing over 30,000 members across fishing, aquaculture, and processing, contributes around AUD 3.5 billion to the Australian economy each year.
