Mumbai, May 10 (PTI) India actively negotiated with the European Union to open its market for seafood exports, helping the country overcome challenges arising from steep US tariffs, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.

Addressing reporters here, he said the government anticipated disruptions and acted swiftly to secure alternative markets for Indian exporters.

"Our government works 24 hours. Often, even before a problem arises, we begin planning and action," he said.

Goyal said the US decision to impose 50 per cent tariff on Indian seafood had dealt a major blow to exports and caused distress among fishermen.

"When America imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian seafood, our exports suffered a big setback. Fishermen were very worried. The Centre responded by engaging with the European Union and addressing regulatory bottlenecks that had earlier restricted Indian shipments," he pointed out.

Several Indian fishing establishments had been delisted by the EU in the past, but India used quality control orders and standards to push for their restoration, he said.

"We took a firm approach and used quality control mechanisms. Today, more than 125 Indian fishery establishments have been registered," he said, adding that this helped India regain access to a large and stable market.

The minister said the strategic move yielded results, with seafood exports recording a growth of around 12-14 per cent last year despite global uncertainties. He stressed that opening up the EU market was crucial given its massive import demand and importance in global trade.

Highlighting the broader approach, Goyal said India was focusing on securing long-term trade opportunities through free trade agreements and global partnerships.

"If India has to become a developed nation, our international agreements must lay the foundation for the next 20-25 years. Expanding exports, boosting manufacturing and creating employment opportunities remain key priorities, and gaining access to major global markets is essential to achieve these goals," the senior BJP leader asserted. PTI ND BNM

Seafood export market access expanded through EU engagement, quality controls, and removal of regulatory bottlenecks after tariff pressure. India secured access to the European Union seafood market through active trade engagement after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian seafood exports. The government addressed regulatory bottlenecks that had limited Indian shipments, including the restoration of previously delisted fishery establishments through quality control orders and standards, and more than 125 Indian fishery establishments were registered for access to the EU market. The move formed part of a wider export strategy focused on long-term trade opportunities, export growth, manufacturing, and employment.