India Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹72,325 Crore in FY 2025–26
22 April 2026, New Delhi: India recorded its highest-ever marine products exports in FY 2025–26, with seafood shipments reaching ₹72,325.82 crore (US$8.28 billion) and export volumes touching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
The growth reflects continued expansion in the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, supported by government initiatives focused on export promotion, sustainability, market diversification, and infrastructure development.
Frozen Shrimp Leads Export Basket
Frozen shrimp remained the largest export category, generating ₹47,973.13 crore (US$5.51 billion) and contributing more than two-thirds of total seafood export earnings. Shrimp exports increased 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in valueover the previous year.
Other products showing growth included frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried seafood, live products, surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil, while exports of chilled products declined.
USA Retains Top Position, China and EU Gain Share
The United States remained the largest importer of Indian seafood, with purchases valued at US$2.32 billion. However, shipments to the U.S. declined 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value, mainly due to tariff-related pressures.
The decline in the U.S. market was balanced by strong growth in other destinations:
- China: Exports up 22.7% in value and 20.1% in volume
- European Union: Exports up 37.9% in value and 35.2% in volume
- Southeast Asia: Growth of 36.1% in value and 28.2% in volume
- Japan: Value growth of 6.55%
- West Asia: Marginal decline of 0.55%
The figures indicate continued diversification of India’s seafood export markets amid changing global trade conditions.
Government Push for Fisheries Sector
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said multiple initiatives were undertaken during the year to strengthen exports and attract investment. These included international roundtable meetings with diplomats from 39 countries, investor meets in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, and the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 in New Delhi.
Regulatory reforms and compliance measures also supported exports, including:
- Approval under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
- Mandatory Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawlers
- Stronger controls on antibiotics and residues
- Launch of the National Traceability Framework in 2025
- Notification of EEZ Rules, 2025
Major Export Ports
The top five export gateways—Vizag, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai together accounted for nearly 64% of total seafood export value.
With seafood exports at a record high, the fisheries sector is expected to remain an important contributor to farm incomes, coastal livelihoods, and India’s agri-export growth strategy.
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