An opinion piece argues that the new 50% U.S. tariff on Indian seafood has made exports commercially unviable and that Indian companies should consider a new strategy: investing in or acquiring shrimp farming operations in Ecuador. Ecuador is the world leader in shrimp production and offers a well-established infrastructure, low production costs, and a stable financial environment due to its use of the U.S. dollar as its currency.
The authors state that by investing in Ecuador, Indian companies can bypass the tariffs, leverage existing infrastructure, and secure a foothold in the global market. They also suggest that Indian investors can introduce technological innovations to Ecuador’s semi-intensive farming system, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. The article concludes by urging Indian commerce bodies and business houses to seriously consider this as a viable way to reset India’s export strategy and preserve its relevance in the global shrimp market.