Strong growth in China, EU and Southeast Asia balances US slowdown

India’s marine exports have surged to an all-time high of Rs 72,325.82 crore ($ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, driven by robust global demand and strategic market diversification, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

Export volumes climbed to 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, marking a significant milestone for the country’s seafood sector amid evolving global trade dynamics.

Frozen shrimp continued to anchor India’s export performance, contributing Rs 47,973.13 crore ($ 5.51 billion)—accounting for over two-thirds of total earnings. Shipments of shrimp registered a 4.6 per cent increase in volume and a 6.35 per cent rise in value, reinforcing its dominance in the marine export basket.

The United States retained its position as the largest importer of Indian seafood, with purchases worth $ 2.32 billion. However, exports to the US declined sharply, falling 19.8 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value, largely due to the impact of reciprocal tariffs.

Offsetting this decline, India witnessed strong growth in alternative markets. Exports to China, the second-largest destination, rose 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1 per cent in volume. The European Union recorded a sharp increase of 37.9 per cent in value and 35.2 per cent in volume, while Southeast Asian markets expanded by 36.1 per cent and 28.2 per cent, respectively.

Japan posted moderate growth of 6.55 per cent in value terms, whereas exports to West Asia dipped marginally by 0.55 per cent, impacted by regional instability toward the end of the financial year.

On the product front, shipments of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live seafood registered positive momentum. Value-added segments such as surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil also showed improved performance, signaling a gradual shift toward higher-value exports. In contrast, chilled seafood exports declined during the period.

From a logistics perspective, the ports of Visakhapatnam, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai together accounted for nearly 64 per cent of total export value, underlining their critical role in India’s seafood supply chain.

The latest figures highlight the sector’s resilience and its ongoing transition toward diversified markets and value-added offerings, even as traditional trade relationships face headwinds.