India's seafood exports touched an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) during FY 2025–26, with export volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). The record performance was driven primarily by frozen shrimp exports, while India's strategy of market diversification successfully offset the adverse impact of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.
India registered its highest-ever seafood exports in both value and volume during FY 2025–26.
| Indicator | FY 2025–26 |
|---|---|
| Export Value | ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) |
| Export Volume | 19.32 lakh metric tonnes |
The achievement reflects the growing global competitiveness of India's marine products sector despite rising protectionist trade measures in major markets.
Frozen shrimp remained the backbone of India's seafood exports.
| Particular | Value |
|---|---|
| Export Earnings | ₹47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion) |
| Share in Total Export Earnings | More than two-thirds |
| Volume Growth | 4.6% |
| Value Growth | 6.35% |
The continued dominance of frozen shrimp demonstrates India's comparative advantage in shrimp aquaculture, processing capacity and international competitiveness.
The United States remained India's largest seafood export destination, importing seafood worth US$ 2.32 billion.However, exports to the US declined due to reciprocal tariffs.
| Indicator | Decline |
|---|---|
| Volume | 19.8% |
| Value | 14.5% |
The decline highlights the vulnerability of export sectors to tariff-based trade restrictions and changing geopolitical trade policies.
India successfully compensated for reduced exports to the US by expanding shipments to alternative destinations.
| Market | Growth in Value | Growth in Volume |
|---|---|---|
| China | 22.7% | 20.1% |
| European Union | 37.9% | 35.2% |
| Southeast Asia | 36.1% | 28.2% |
| Japan | 6.55% | — |
| West Asia | -0.55% | — |
The strong performance across multiple markets reflects India's export diversification strategy, reducing dependence on any single destination and improving resilience against global trade disruptions.
Several individual importing countries recorded double-digit growth, indicating that India's seafood exports are becoming increasingly diversified.This diversification:
Apart from frozen shrimp, several marine product categories registered positive growth.Products witnessing improved exports included:
However, chilled seafood products recorded a decline during the financial year.The diversification of export products enhances India's value-added seafood exports and reduces concentration risk.
India's seafood exports continue to be concentrated through a few major ports.The top five ports accounted for nearly 64% of total seafood export value.These include:
These ports remain critical logistics hubs supporting India's marine export supply chain.
The record performance demonstrates India's ability to sustain export growth despite adverse global trade conditions through market diversification, competitive aquaculture, and strong export infrastructure. Continued investments in cold chain logistics, value addition, quality certification, and new export markets will be essential for maintaining India's position among the world's leading seafood exporters.
Established:1972Act:Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972Headquarters:Kochi, KeralaAdministrative Ministry:Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Published by:Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
Frozen shrimp constitutes India's largest marine export commodity and contributes the highest share of export earnings. India is among the world's leading producers and exporters of farmed shrimp.
Surimi is a refined fish protein paste manufactured from deboned fish meat and is widely used in processed seafood products such as imitation crab meat, fish balls and fish sticks.
Fishmeal is a high-protein powder produced from processed fish and is widely used as feed in aquaculture, poultry and livestock industries.
Fish oil is extracted from marine fish and is used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, aquaculture feed and dietary supplements due to its rich Omega-3 fatty acid content.
Updated – 21 April 2026 | 08:34 PM | News Source – PIB