India’s seafood exports have reached an all-time high in the financial year 2025–26, driven by steady demand in key markets and improved performance across major product categories.
Provisional figures released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority show that total export earnings stood at Rs 72,325.82 crore, with shipment volumes rising to 19.32 lakh tonne during the year.
Frozen shrimp continued to lead export growth, contributing Rs 47,973.13 crore and accounting for more than two-thirds of overall earnings. Export volumes of shrimp increased by 4.6 per cent, while value rose by 6.35 per cent, maintaining its position as the main contributor to the sector.
The United States remained the largest destination for Indian seafood, although shipments declined by 19.8 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value, mainly due to the impact of reciprocal tariffs. Despite this slowdown, overall export performance was supported by growth in other regions.
Exports to China, the second-largest market, increased by 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1 per cent in volume. The European Union also recorded strong growth, with exports rising by 37.9 per cent in value and 35.2 per cent in volume. Southeast Asian countries registered expansion as well, with export value growing by over 36.1 per cent and volumes by 28.2 per cent.
Shipments to Japan rose by 6.55 per cent in value, while exports to West Asia saw a slight decline towards the end of the financial year due to regional instability.
Across product categories, exports of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried products, and live items recorded growth, while chilled products declined. Other segments, such as surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil, also showed improved performance.
Key export hubs, including Visakhapatnam, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai, together accounted for nearly 64 per cent of total export value, highlighting their importance in handling seafood shipments.
The overall performance reflects a broader shift towards diversified markets, helping offset weakness in traditional destinations and supporting sustained growth in India’s seafood export sector. |
