New Delhi: India seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore in FY 2025–26, according to provisional data released by MPEDA, marking a significant milestone for the marine sector.
Export volumes also rose to 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting steady global demand. Frozen shrimp remained the key driver of this growth. It contributed ₹47,973.13 crore, accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings.
Shrimp shipments increased by 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value. This reinforced its dominant position in India’s marine export basket. However, exports to the United States, the largest market, declined during the year.
Shipments to the US stood at US$2.32 billion. They fell by 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value. Officials attributed the drop mainly to reciprocal tariffs that affected trade flows.
Despite this decline, India seafood exports remained resilient due to strong growth in alternative markets. Exports to China, the second-largest destination, rose by 22.7% in value and 20.1% in volume. Similarly, shipments to the European Union increased sharply.
India seafood exports diversify across global markets
Exports to the EU grew by 37.9% in value and 35.2% in volume. Southeast Asian markets also expanded significantly, recording growth of over 36.1% in value and 28.2% in volume. In addition, exports to Japan rose by 6.55% in value.
However, shipments to West Asia declined marginally by 0.55%. This dip was linked to regional instability towards the end of the financial year. At the same time, several smaller markets posted strong double-digit growth, indicating a clear diversification strategy.
On the product side, frozen fish, squid, and cuttlefish exports increased. Dried items and live products also recorded positive momentum. In contrast, exports of chilled products declined during the period.
Meanwhile, value-added segments such as surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil showed improved performance. These segments supported overall export growth and diversification.
In logistics, five major ports handled the bulk of shipments. Vizag, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai together accounted for nearly 64% of total export value. This highlighted their critical role in India’s seafood export supply chain.
The record performance of India seafood exports underscored the sector’s resilience and its ability to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics.
