Rising demand from the European Union and Vietnam is helping drive strong growth in India’s seafood exports as exporters increasingly diversify away from the United States market amid changing trade dynamics and regulatory pressures.
Industry exporters said shipments of shrimp, frozen fish, cuttlefish, squid, and value-added seafood products to European destinations and Vietnam have grown steadily over recent months. The shift comes as Indian exporters seek to reduce dependence on the US market, which has faced softer demand, pricing pressures, and heightened trade scrutiny.
Vietnam has emerged as a major processing and re-export hub for seafood products, boosting imports of raw materials from India for further value addition. Meanwhile, European buyers are increasing sourcing from India to meet demand for certified and traceable seafood products amid tightening supply conditions in some competing markets.
Exporters noted that improved compliance standards, better cold chain infrastructure, and stronger traceability measures have enhanced India’s competitiveness in international seafood trade. Growing acceptance of Indian seafood in premium retail and hospitality segments across Europe has also supported export growth.
India’s seafood industry, led largely by frozen shrimp exports, continues to benefit from expanding aquaculture production and investments in processing capacity. Coastal states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu remain major contributors to the country’s seafood export volumes.
Trade bodies said diversification into newer markets is helping Indian exporters mitigate risks arising from geopolitical tensions, tariff uncertainties, and fluctuating demand patterns in traditional destinations. Exporters are also focusing on expanding value-added product offerings to improve margins and strengthen global market presence.
The industry expects seafood exports to maintain positive momentum in the coming quarters as demand from Europe and Southeast Asia remains firm and global buyers continue diversifying sourcing strategies.