The "India Shrimp Tariff Act" seeks to bolster the domestic shrimp industry by addressing perceived unfair trade practices and market disadvantages faced by U.S. producers. It mandates a significant, phased-in increase in import duties on shrimp originating from India, citing concerns over heavily subsidized Indian exports, high Indian tariffs on agricultural products, and low U.S. inspection rates for imported shrimp. Specifically, the bill proposes that duties on Indian shrimp will rise incrementally, starting with 10% or 25 cents/kg in 2026, increasing to 20% or 50 cents/kg in 2027, and reaching 40% or $1/kg by 2028. Furthermore, it requires that shrimp imported from India be appraised at no less than the average U.S. ex-vessel shrimp prices. To enhance consumer information and product safety, the legislation expands Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements. It amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to include whole cooked shrimp and crawfish, and cooked shrimp and crawfish sections, ensuring they are not considered processed food items for labeling purposes. Additionally, the bill directs the President to impose an additional duty of $0.10 per kilogram on specified shrimp imports, with the revenue earmarked for funding increased inspections of imported shrimp and catfish. The U.S. Trade Representative is also tasked with modifying the Schedule of Concessions to GATT 1994 to implement these new duties, while adhering to international obligations.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Foreign Trade and International Finance
India Shrimp Tariff Act
USA119th CongressS-2868| Senate
| Updated: 9/18/2025
The "India Shrimp Tariff Act" seeks to bolster the domestic shrimp industry by addressing perceived unfair trade practices and market disadvantages faced by U.S. producers. It mandates a significant, phased-in increase in import duties on shrimp originating from India, citing concerns over heavily subsidized Indian exports, high Indian tariffs on agricultural products, and low U.S. inspection rates for imported shrimp. Specifically, the bill proposes that duties on Indian shrimp will rise incrementally, starting with 10% or 25 cents/kg in 2026, increasing to 20% or 50 cents/kg in 2027, and reaching 40% or $1/kg by 2028. Furthermore, it requires that shrimp imported from India be appraised at no less than the average U.S. ex-vessel shrimp prices. To enhance consumer information and product safety, the legislation expands Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements. It amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to include whole cooked shrimp and crawfish, and cooked shrimp and crawfish sections, ensuring they are not considered processed food items for labeling purposes. Additionally, the bill directs the President to impose an additional duty of $0.10 per kilogram on specified shrimp imports, with the revenue earmarked for funding increased inspections of imported shrimp and catfish. The U.S. Trade Representative is also tasked with modifying the Schedule of Concessions to GATT 1994 to implement these new duties, while adhering to international obligations.