A Republican congressman from Louisiana, Clay Higgins, has expressed worries about the potential effects of the new US–India trade agreement on American shrimpers. Higgins, in a letter to President Donald Trump, highlighted the risk posed by lower tariffs on Indian seafood to the domestic wild-caught industry. He praised efforts to rebalance trade but emphasized concerns for Gulf Coast fishermen.
Higgins cautioned that reducing tariffs on Indian products might lead to an influx of low-quality, farm-raised Indian shrimp into the US market. He pointed out that India has been a major shrimp importer to the United States and emphasized the importance of maintaining standards for domestic production.
The congressman stressed the high quality of wild-caught Gulf shrimp, harvested under strict environmental and labor regulations, in contrast to imported shrimp benefiting from lower environmental and health standards. Higgins urged the administration to explore alternative measures within the trade agreement framework to protect American shrimpers.
Highlighting the need for enhanced inspections and enforcement of existing duties, Higgins suggested specific safeguards to prevent an increase in underpriced imports. He also mentioned supporting legislation that would allow the destruction of imports failing to meet American health standards. Higgins appealed to President Trump to ensure fair trade policies that benefit all American industries, including domestic shrimpers.
The letter, addressed to the President and copied to key government officials, underscores the concerns as the US and India aim to strengthen economic ties through a new trade framework. The issue of seafood trade has been a contentious topic in US trade discussions, particularly in states with significant fishing communities. India stands out as a major exporter of shrimp to the United States.
