THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JUNE 1, 2026
India’s seafood exports surged to an
all-time high during the financial year 2025–26, reaffirming the country’s
growing prominence in the global marine products market. Despite persistent
global economic uncertainties and trade challenges, the sector recorded its
highest-ever export volume and value, driven by robust demand for Indian
seafood across key international markets.
According to P. Jawahar, Chairman of
the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported a
record 19,72,018 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood during FY 2025–26, earning ₹73,890.46 crore, equivalent to US$ 8.46 billion. The
achievement highlights the resilience of India’s seafood industry and the
sustained efforts of exporters in expanding the country’s global footprint.
Frozen shrimp continued to be the
cornerstone of India’s seafood exports, generating ₹49,037.93 crore (US$ 5.62 billion) and contributing 40.19
per cent of the total export volume and an impressive 66.52 per cent of total
export earnings in dollar
terms. Shrimp exports registered healthy growth of 13.16 per cent in rupee
value and 8.64 per cent in dollar value during the year.
India exported 7,92,647 MT of frozen
shrimp, with the United States remaining the largest importer at 2,56,128 MT,
followed by China with 1,69,505 MT. The European Union, South-East Asia, Japan
and the Middle East also emerged as major destinations. Exports of both L.
vannamei and Black Tiger shrimp witnessed notable growth in volume and value,
reflecting strong international demand.
Frozen fish remained the
second-largest export category, earning ₹5,658.37
crore (US$ 643.70 million). Dried seafood products emerged as one of the
fastest-growing segments, generating ₹5,079.09 crore (US$ 577.44 million) and
recording a remarkable
78.05 per cent increase in value terms, underscoring rising global demand for
processed marine products.
Exports of frozen squid touched
1,02,060 MT and earned ₹4,493.80 crore (US$ 513.84 million),
while frozen cuttlefish exports showed robust performance with a
13.32 per cent rise in volume and a 16.25 per cent increase in value, reaching
US$ 331.96 million. Chilled seafood products generated ₹622.31 crore (US$ 71.27 million), while live seafood
exports grew by 11.46 per cent in dollar value to reach US$ 62.43
million.
In terms of export earnings, the
United States remained India’s largest seafood market, importing 2,79,193 MT
valued at ₹20,263.27 crore (US$ 2.33 billion).
However, exports to the U.S. witnessed declines in value and volume compared to the
previous year. Frozen shrimp continued to dominate shipments to the American
market, accounting for over 93 per cent of export earnings from the country.
China emerged as the largest
destination by quantity, importing 4,90,369 MT of Indian seafood valued at US$
1.61 billion. The European Union retained its position as the third-largest
market by value with imports worth US$ 1.59 billion, followed by South-East
Asia at US$ 1.35 billion. Japan and the Middle East also remained significant
markets for Indian marine products.
The ports of Visakhapatnam, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Kochi handled the highest volumes of seafood exports during the year, playing a crucial role in supporting the sector’s growth and ensuring seamless access to global markets.
The record-breaking performance of India’s seafood exports in FY 2025–26 reflects the sector’s resilience, enhanced production capabilities, improved quality standards and the growing international appetite for Indian marine products. The achievement further strengthens India’s position as one of the world’s leading seafood-exporting nations and signals strong growth prospects for the industry in the years ahead.
