India’s seafood exports hit an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, with export volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
Frozen shrimp remained the backbone of India’s seafood exports, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion)—more than two-thirds of total earnings. Shrimp exports grew 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value, reinforcing its dominance in the export basket.
The United States continued as the largest importer, with purchases worth US$ 2.32 billion. However, exports to the US declined sharply—down 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value, largely due to reciprocal tariffs.
This slowdown was offset by strong growth in other markets:
- China (second-largest destination): exports rose 22.7% in value and 20.1% in volume
- European Union: exports surged 37.9% in value and 35.2% in volume
- Southeast Asia: saw growth of over 36.1% in value and 28.2% in volume
Exports to Japan increased 6.55% in value, while shipments to West Asia dipped slightly by 0.55%, impacted by regional instability late in the fiscal year.
Apart from shrimp, exports of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live seafood all recorded positive momentum. Value-added segments like surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil also showed improved performance, while chilled products declined.
Five major ports—Visakhapatnam Port (Vizag), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Cochin Port, Kolkata Port, and Chennai Port—accounted for nearly 64% of total export value, underlining their critical role in India’s seafood supply chain.
Despite a notable decline in US demand, India’s seafood sector achieved record export earnings by diversifying into new and expanding markets, with shrimp continuing to lead the charge.
