THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 22, 2026
India’s marine products exports
have reached an unprecedented milestone, touching an all-time high of ₹72,325.82
crore (US $8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26,
according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export
Development Authority. Export volumes also climbed to 19.32 lakh metric tonnes,
reinforcing India’s position as a major force in the global seafood trade.
Frozen shrimp continued to anchor
this remarkable growth, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore (US $5.51 billion)
and accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. Shipments
recorded a healthy increase of 4.6 per cent in volume and 6.35 per cent in
value, further cementing shrimp’s dominance
in India’s marine export basket.
The United States remained the
largest destination for Indian seafood exports, with imports valued at US $2.32
billion. However, shipments to the US declined by 19.8
per cent in volume
and 14.5 per cent
in value, largely due to the impact of reciprocal tariffs.
This slowdown was offset by
strong gains in diversified markets. Exports to China, the second-largest
importer, rose sharply by 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1
per cent in
volume. The European Union recorded robust growth of 37.9
per cent in value
and 35.2 per cent
in volume, while Southeast Asia saw exports expand by 36.1
per cent in value
and 28.2 per cent
in volume. Japan posted a steady increase of 6.55 per cent in value, whereas exports to
West Asia registered a marginal decline of 0.55 per cent, influenced by regional
turbulence towards the end of the financial year.
The broad-based, double-digit
growth across multiple regions highlights a strategic shift towards market
diversification, helping cushion the impact of challenges in traditional
markets.
Across product segments, frozen
fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live products recorded positive
growth, while chilled products saw a decline. Value-added segments such as
surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil also posted improved performance, contributing
to overall export momentum.
On the logistics front, the top five ports — Visakhapatnam, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai — handled nearly 64 per cent of total export value, underscoring their continued importance in India’s seafood supply chain.
The record performance reflects sustained efforts by exporters, aquaculture farmers, and policymakers to enhance quality standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and expand global market access, further strengthening India’s standing in the international seafood sector.
