The Hindu Business Line : Vizag shrimp exporters to fight US duties

FIRST it was outsourcing and now it is shrimps. Indian exports to the US have run into rough weather, thanks to the protectionist measures initiated by the US Government.

The US Trade Commission has given preliminary approval for imposition of anti-dumping duty on shrimp imports from India and five other nations, which may come into effect from June.

India exports more than Rs 6,500 crore worth of seafood every year, of which Andhra Pradesh accounts for 25-30 per cent.

Japan and the US are the major importers, especially of tiger prawn and scampi (freshwater prawn) from Andhra Pradesh.

There are some 50 seafood exporters in Andhra Pradesh, most of them based in Vizag, exporting shrimp through the Vizag and Chennai ports.

The US regulation is likely to hit these units and they are bracing up to face the challenge.

``The Seafood Exporters' Association of India has already hired lawyers to fight the case in the US and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and other Government agencies will render all help,'' said Mr K. Haribabu, a member of the MPEDA.

He added that the US importers were also backing the Indian cause and the case would be fought hard.

"In a globalised economy, of which the US is the most ardent advocate, there is no room for such measures. There is also no substance in the allegation that Indian exporters are dumping shrimp and scampi in the US market. It can be proved individually by each of our exporters and collectively also.''

Mr T. Raghunatha Reddy, President of the Seafood Exporters' Association of India, said that India was not dumping shrimp into the US and that country was not even producing 20 per cent of the shrimp it was consuming.

The US is mainly dependent on six countries for its seafood requirements - India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil and Ecuador. He said he was certain the dumping charge would not stick.

The association had hired a reputed firm to fight the legal battle if the US decides to go ahead with imposition of anti-dumping duty.

Mr M. Sudarsan Swamy, another member of the MPEDA and President of the All-India Shrimp Hatcheries' Association, was also critical of the US move and urged all engaged in the seafood trade to come together and face the challenge to the industry.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Andhra Pradesh | Anti-dumping

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