US tariff hike hits Kerala's seafood exports: Cuttlefish, octopus prices dip sharply

Kollam: The recent hike in U.S. import tariffs has significantly impacted Kerala’s fishing industry, dealing a blow to seafood exports. Exporters say falling prices are already squeezing the market for key products.

The price of cuttlefish (locally known as kanava or pekkanava), which earlier fetched around ₹400 per kilogram, has now dropped to ₹340–₹350. Similarly, Octopus, which used to sell for ₹300–₹320 per kg, is currently priced between ₹230–₹240, according to industry sources.

Shrimp was previously the most exported seafood item to the US. However, since 2019, a ban has been in place due to the absence of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), which are mandated to prevent turtle bycatch during fishing operations. Since then, only farmed shrimp varieties like vannamei and tiger shrimp are permitted for export. With these restrictions in place, octopus and cuttlefish have become the primary seafood products being exported to the US, says Peter Mathias, State President of the All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators’ Association.

He added that with the new US import policy in effect, many exporting companies are now hesitant to purchase stock, further straining the sector.

While alternative international markets are being explored, stakeholders admit that few can match the scale or profitability of the American market. The fishing community is now calling for the development of a robust domestic marketing and distribution infrastructure to mitigate dependency on exports. They see strong domestic potential for nutrient-rich, flavorful seafood like kanava, but say the lack of infrastructure remains a major hurdle.

Industry representatives emphasised the urgent need for facilities such as freezer-equipped transport vehicles and cold storage units across different states. With the right infrastructure in place, they argue that seafood products from Kerala could be successfully distributed to regions as far as Kashmir, thereby opening up new avenues for local producers and exporters.