Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

India Shrimp Tariff Act

Summary

The "India Shrimp Tariff Act" aims to increase duties on shrimp imports from India. It outlines a phased-in approach to raising tariff rates over three years, starting in 2026. The bill also addresses country-of-origin labeling for cooked shrimp and crawfish and mandates additional duties to fund inspections of imported shrimp and catfish.

Expected Effects

The Act would likely increase the cost of shrimp imported from India, potentially impacting consumers and businesses that rely on these imports. It could also lead to increased demand for domestically produced shrimp. The increased inspections could improve food safety.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially strengthens the domestic shrimp industry by making imported shrimp more expensive.
  • Could improve food safety through increased inspections of imported shrimp and catfish.
  • May lead to better labeling of shrimp and crawfish origins, informing consumers.
  • Addresses concerns about unfair trade practices and subsidies from India.
  • Could incentivize better worker and environmental protections in overseas shrimp production.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increased tariffs could raise prices for consumers who purchase shrimp.
  • May strain trade relations with India.
  • Could negatively impact businesses that rely on affordable shrimp imports.
  • The effectiveness of increased inspections depends on proper implementation and resource allocation.
  • Potential for retaliatory tariffs from India on other U.S. exports.

Constitutional Alignment

The Act falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, as granted by Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution. The imposition of duties and tariffs is a well-established practice within this constitutional framework. The Act's provisions regarding labeling and inspections also align with the government's responsibility to ensure food safety and protect consumers.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).