Andhra Pradesh is the region in India with the highest production of farmed shrimp. Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Indian Shrimp Farmers Rebound: Black Tiger Emerges to Counter US Tariffs

INDIA
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Aquaculture Shift: The Comeback of the 'Black Tiger' Shrimp

The Indian seafood export sector, reeling from the imposition of steep US tariffs, has found a significant and lucrative answer in the resurgence of the Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Farmers, many of whom were previously focused on the widely exported Vanamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), are now rapidly pivoting to the native Black Tiger, a move that is injecting new hope and momentum into the industry.

Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Shockwaves in the Export Market and a Strategic Pivot

The implementation of US tariffs had sent shockwaves through Indian markets, with the seafood industry—a major exporter to the US, China, and European countries—suffering a severe setback. For months, shrimp farmers faced uncertainty. However, the introduction and aggressive promotion of the Black Tiger as an alternative export commodity has transformed the outlook.

According to recent data, this shift is already widespread: more than 50 percent of shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh, a state central to India's aquaculture, have reportedly transitioned to cultivating the Black Tiger.

Photo: Stockfile/FIS

A Farmer’s Tale of Revival

The story of the Black Tiger's comeback is mirrored in the experiences of individual farmers. For instance, Subba Naidu from the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh had been deeply troubled by the tariffs and was considering giving up on his business. Now, he is one of the many who have completely abandoned Vanamei and are successfully raising Black Tiger shrimp in a 45-acre pond, testifying to the renewed faith the species has instilled.

The Black Tiger’s Second Act

The aquaculture market is buzzing with the news of the Black Tiger's dramatic return. While it had a notable surge in 2022, the true momentum is being felt now. In the 2023-24 period, demand for the Black Tiger increased by a staggering 25 percent.

Photo: Stockfile/FIS

This native Indian species is seen as the country's answer to formidable international competitors, particularly Ecuador. As shrimp expert Dr. Manoj Sharma explained, Ecuador can undercut rivals, selling shrimp of almost any size and weight at least one dollar less per unit than other exporting nations. This price pressure had previously caused India's Vanamei exports to lag.

Quality and Native Advantage

Dr. Manoj Sharma highlighted the historical context, noting that the Black Tiger was the dominant export shrimp before 2010, until the rapid market penetration of Vanamei caused its decline.

The Black Tiger shrimp, being an entirely Asian and native Indian species, offers a key differentiator: flavor. Its meat is said to be uniquely enhanced by the Indian soil and water, giving it a flavor profile that makes it the preferred choice even over other Asian exporters. This quality advantage is a core driver behind the 25 percent demand increase seen in 2023-24 and is the primary strategy for India to regain its footing in the competitive global seafood trade.

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