Zverev shared that the estimated volume of fish exports to India, in the case of duty removal, could reach at least 18,300 tons worth $20.06 million per year. Earlier, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) had announced that the first round of negotiations between the EAEU and India on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would take place in November this year.
"If India eliminates the import duties on our fish products, Russia will gain a price advantage for the supply of frozen Pacific salmon, sardines, cod, squid, fish meal, and other products. VARPE estimates that such shipments could amount to 18,300 tons worth $20.06 million. There are also prospects for replacing Russian wild pollock with pangasius, following China's example. This could result in a twofold increase in the projected export volume," commented Zverev.
He emphasized that VARPE "has high hopes" for the agreement. According to Zverev, both countries are keen to boost trade in fish products. "Indian authorities regard Russia as one of the key directions for export diversification, and we have repeatedly highlighted the great potential of the Indian market," he added.
VARPE also reminded that India already has several free trade agreements in place. For instance, the agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) foresees gradually reducing tariffs to zero over a 5-10 year period on fish product imports from EFTA member states to India. A similar agreement has been made between India and the United Kingdom. These agreements give competing countries, such as those in EFTA and the UK, a competitive advantage in the global fish market when supplying fish products to India.