Australia Lifts Ban on Indian Unpeeled Prawns, Boosting Andhra Pradesh Seafood Exports

In a major relief for India’s seafood industry, Australia has eased its ban on unpeeled prawns from India, opening a new market for exporters, especially from Andhra Pradesh.

Announcing the development on X, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh said, “Today, the first import approval for Indian prawns has been granted,” attributing it to the “extensive work done by Indian and Australian governments.” The ban had persisted due to detection of the white spot virus in previous consignments.

Australia’s decision comes as US tariffs on Indian seafood, which hit 3.7 lakh metric tonnes of Andhra Pradesh shrimp exports last year, continue to affect the sector. Lokesh emphasized the importance of diversifying export markets to reduce reliance on a single buyer.

Andhra Pradesh contributes about 33% of India’s seafood exports, with shrimp accounting for over 90% of shipments to the US. The state has a long coastline, ideal climate, and around 3 lakh farmers directly engaged in aquaculture, supporting nearly 50 lakh people indirectly.

The state government is also promoting domestic consumption of aqua foods and forming the AP Prawn Producers Company to support farmers through producer organisations and local marketing initiatives.

Australia lifting the ban is expected to boost exports, create new opportunities for farmers, and revitalize the coastal seafood economy in Andhra Pradesh.