Indian reefer exports to the US have declined by up to 50 per cent following steep tariffs imposed in August, with seafood trades most affected. Forwarders and carriers are adjusting capacity to manage the downturn, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

A 50 per cent tariff introduced on 27 August initially exempted pharmaceutical products, but the Indian drug industry has since been targeted. The full impact remains unclear due to lack of detail.

Carrier sources said seafood reefer volumes to the US have dropped by 30 to 50 per cent. Pre-tariff trade averaged 750 FEU weekly. Shrimp exports are particularly vulnerable, said Bhavik Mota, Maersk's regional ocean director.

Pharmaceutical exports remain stable for now, but Mota warned that new tariffs could affect future volumes. Sanyukta Kulkarni of DSV said the downturn may worsen unless tariff relief is granted.

Mr Kulkarni noted that many importers are still fulfilling prior commitments, but finding alternative supply chains will take time. Exporters typically rush shipments before Diwali, which brings extended holidays and factory closures.

Reefer booking prices have weakened, but carriers have limited the decline by reducing plug allotments and using blank sailings. Rates from Nhava Sheva to New York now range from $3,000 to $3,200 per FEU, down by up to $500 since early September.

To support reefer trade, Ocean Network Express has launched an intermodal train service from Hyderabad to Nhava Sheva, aligned with its US East Coast sailings. Hyderabad is a key hub for Indian pharmaceutical exports.

The US remains the largest market for Indian pharmaceutical goods. Improved reefer equipment and remote control systems have shifted 70 per cent of pharma shipments to ocean freight, down from 30 per cent by air.