The recently signed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to reshape the dynamics of India’s seafood export sector, offering unprecedented market access and opportunities for value addition and skill development. Recognizing the potential of the agreement, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) held stakeholder awareness meetings in Chennai and Vizag to guide industry players on leveraging the benefits effectively.

Under CETA, 99 per cent of tariff lines will enjoy zero-duty access, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of Indian seafood in the UK market. Key export items, including Vannamei shrimp, frozen squid, lobsters, frozen pomfret, and black tiger shrimp, are expected to benefit directly from duty-free entry. The agreement provides a strategic boost to Indian exporters targeting the UK, a market characterised by high demand for processed and frozen seafood, driven both by culinary preferences and the presence of a sizeable Indian diaspora.

India’s marine products sector has been growing steadily, with exports reaching $7.45 billion in 2024–25, dominated by shrimp, fish, and cuttlefish. Exports to the UK accounted for 16,082 tonnes valued at $104.43 million during the same period. Frozen shrimp remains the leading category, contributing 77 per cent of total UK-bound exports at $80.05 million, followed by frozen fish at eight per cent, or $8.35 million. The agreement is expected to reinforce these trends, opening avenues for higher-value products and processed seafood to gain a stronger foothold in the UK market.

During the awareness meetings, MPEDA emphasised the importance of aligning production, processing, and quality standards with international requirements, while also exploring the development of Marine Aquaparks SEZ in Tamil Nadu to further strengthen the sector’s export capabilities. Stakeholders discussed strategies for leveraging duty-free access, adopting value-added processing, and upskilling the workforce to meet evolving market demands.

CETA represents a significant step in India’s efforts to enhance trade relations with the UK, providing exporters a platform to expand volumes, improve margins, and diversify product offerings. With structured guidance from MPEDA and strategic initiatives in place, the agreement is positioned to accelerate India’s seafood exports, reinforce global competitiveness, and establish the country as a reliable supplier in one of the world’s most lucrative seafood markets.