USTR Raises Concerns Over Indias Fisheries Subsidies Impacting American Fishermen

Washington, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has voiced concerns regarding India’s fisheries subsidy policy, citing its impact on American fishermen. According to the USTR, Indian seafood products are entering the U.S. market at prices below market rates, harming the livelihoods of American fishermen and disrupting the seafood supply chain.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the USTR referenced the Trump administration’s “America First Seafood Strategy,” while also addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Vietnam. The office indicated that these practices directly affect American fishermen and the broader supply chain.

A strategy document issued on October 23 noted that the USTR will continue to address concerns related to India’s extensive fisheries subsidy programs. The U.S. alleges that these subsidies enable Indian producers to export seafood to the U.S. at prices lower than those prevailing in the market.

However, the White House fact sheet released the same day did not mention India or any other specific country. Nonetheless, India was referenced in the strategy document.

Alongside India and Vietnam, the USTR has also raised objections to trade policies in Japan and the European Union. The USTR stated that Japan’s import tariffs, which can reach up to 10%, and its import quotas harm American exporters. In contrast, the EU’s catch documentation scheme imposes additional responsibilities on American fishermen regarding documentation and reporting.

The USTR emphasized that heavily subsidized foreign seafood products and those caught illegally are creating unfair competition for American fishermen. The office also expressed concerns about products produced using forced labor on fishing vessels.

According to the USTR, U.S. seafood exports reached $5.53 billion in 2025, marking a 12% increase from 2024. Countries such as Taiwan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Ecuador, and Indonesia have committed to addressing concerns related to harmful fisheries subsidies or IUU fishing activities under mutual trade agreements with the U.S.

Bangladesh’s inclusion in this list is significant for India, as this neighboring South Asian country has accepted commitments related to the fisheries sector, while no such commitments have been noted for India in the latest document.

The USTR stated, “The future of the U.S. seafood industry should rest in the hands of American fishermen, workers, and domestic industries, rather than relying on illegally caught and heavily subsidized foreign products.”

According to the White House fact sheet, the new strategy aims to protect American fishermen from unfair competition by strengthening import certifications and compliance with regulations, while also expanding access for U.S. products in foreign markets. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced over $5 billion in guaranteed loans for the meat and seafood processing sectors.

India is among the leading exporters of shrimp to the U.S. However, in recent years, Indian seafood exporters have faced challenges due to U.S. tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duties.

India has consistently defended its fisheries subsidy policy at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that this support is essential for the livelihoods of millions of small and traditional fishermen. Thus, the mention of India’s subsidies in the U.S. strategy could further complicate marine trade relations between the two countries.