Raw Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp continued to dominate India’s shrimp export portfolio, although growth momentum slowed during March

India’s shrimp export volumes remained largely stable during the first quarter of 2026, following strong growth recorded through much of 2025, although export values continued to decline amid pricing pressure across global markets.

According to the Shrimp Insight, shrimp categories under HS 030617, HS 160521 and HS 160529, India exported 63,475 metric tonnes (MT) of shrimp in March 2026, representing a 5 per cent year-on-year decline. Total exports for Q1 2026 stood at 164,568 MT, remaining broadly unchanged compared to the same period last year.

While export volumes showed resilience, export value weakened more significantly. March export earnings fell 9 per cent year-on-year to $430 million, while cumulative Q1 export value declined 5 per cent to $1.12 billion.

Raw Vannamei Shrimp Maintains Dominance

Raw Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp continued to dominate India’s shrimp export portfolio, although growth momentum slowed during March. Exports of raw vannamei shrimp declined 6 per cent year-on-year to 50,068 MT in March, leaving cumulative Q1 exports at 125,300 MT, largely flat compared to last year.

Value-added shrimp products remained under pressure throughout the quarter. March exports in this category totaled 6,566 MT, remaining broadly unchanged year-on-year, but Q1 shipments declined 15 per cent to 15,566 MT following weaker demand during January and February.

Wild-caught shrimp exports also softened during the period, with March exports declining 14 per cent year-on-year to 4,863 MT and Q1 exports slipping 2 per cent to 15,568 MT.

In contrast, raw Penaeus monodon shrimp continued to outperform other product segments. March exports surged 34 per cent year-on-year to 1,978 MT, while Q1 exports rose 57 per cent to 8,135 MT, reflecting growing international demand for black tiger shrimp.

China and EU Drive Growth as US Demand Weakens

The United States remained India’s largest but weakest-performing shrimp market during the quarter. March exports to the US declined 14 per cent year-on-year to 23,134 MT, while cumulative Q1 exports dropped sharply by 29 per cent to 50,247 MT. However, March shipment levels were notably stronger compared to January and February.

China continued to emerge as a major growth market for Indian shrimp exports. March shipments to China increased 27 per cent year-on-year to 13,849 MT, bringing Q1 exports to 33,958 MT, representing a substantial 60 per cent increase over the previous year.

The European Union also remained a positive market for Indian exporters despite a slight moderation in March. Exports to the EU declined 6 per cent year-on-year in March to 7,866 MT, though Q1 exports still rose 18 per cent to 27,594 MT.

Exports to Vietnam remained elevated compared to last year, despite some normalization during March. Monthly exports declined 3 per cent year-on-year to 6,542 MT, while Q1 shipments increased 10 per cent to 14,503 MT.

Meanwhile, Japan remained relatively stable as a destination market. March exports fell 6 per cent year-on-year to 3,019 MT, but cumulative Q1 exports still recorded 9 per cent growth, reaching 8,223 MT.

The latest export trends indicate that while India’s shrimp industry continues to face pricing pressure and softer US demand, expanding shipments to China, the EU and other Asian markets are helping maintain overall export volumes.