India has long been the world’s biggest supplier of shrimp to the United States, with Andhra Pradesh at the heart of the industry. But now, a 50% tariff under Donald Trump’s trade policy is threatening to sink the sector.

Shrimp orders to the U.S. - India’s top export market, have largely stalled. Exporters, squeezed by the levy, have cut prices offered to farmers by nearly 20%, wiping out their already thin profits. Farmers say they still face high costs for feed, electricity, and loans, leaving many with little choice but to consider fish farming, vegetable retailing, or other local businesses.

“I cannot repay my loans with these prices,” said Srinivas, a farmer from Andhra’s Veeravasaram village, who has mortgaged family property to stay afloat.

The U.S. imported $7.4 billion worth of seafood from India last year, with shrimp making up 40%. But with Ecuador facing just a 15% tariff, it is well-placed to gain market share if India falters.

While exporters hope to diversify to China, Japan, and the UK, industry leaders warn this won’t happen overnight. Farmers, meanwhile, are left waiting for relief, either from markets or the government.