Kamal Ghorui
Marine products are one of the most important items of export from India. The sector not only provides opportunities to earn foreign exchange, but also generates income opportunities for a large section of the population. The government has come out with several policies and measures to promote the export of marine products and to develop the livelihood of the people engaged in the marine fisheries sector.
Marine product export during the present crisis
Despite geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, tariff pressures in the United States and volatile global trade conditions in recent times, India’s marine product exports have reportedly surged to an all-time high of Rs. 72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) in 2025-26.
According to the provisional figures released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the country exported 1.93 million tonnes of seafood during the financial year, setting a new benchmark both in value and volume.
Challenges faced by the marine product export sector included:
· Shipping disruptions linked to the prolonged West Asia crisis;
· Higher freight costs on several routes, and;
· Softer demand in some countries.
Although the US retained its position as India’s largest seafood market importing marine products worth $2.32 billion, exports to the country registered a decline of 19.8 % in volume and 14.5 % in value due to the impact of reciprocal tariff measures and changing buying patterns.
However, exporters were able to offset the slowdown in the American market through stronger penetration into other regions by diversifying to markets beyond traditional destinations leading to high volume of exports during the previous financial year, although tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding West Asian region impacted global cargo movement and vessel schedules during the latter part of the financial year affecting trade flows to some destinations.
India’s seafood exports
India’s seafood exports span a wide and diversified basket with over 350 varieties of products shipped to nearly 130 global markets. The United States remained the largest destination, accounting for 36.42% of total export value in 2024-25, followed by China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East, while other markets together account for about 9%. To reduce over-dependence on a few commodities and deepen India’s presence in the global seafood market, the Government is therefore actively pursuing diversification of the export basket.
It is noteworthy that the export of seafood from India to various destinations from 2013-14 to 2025-26 indicates that it increased from Rs. 30,213 Crore to Rs. 72,325.82 Crore, amounting to 116. 27 % increase over the period.
Indian exporters managed to sustain the momentum during the crisis by:
· Re-routing shipments;
· Tapping alternate logistics corridors, and;
· Expanding their presence in fast-growing markets including:
- China,
- European Union, and;
- Southeast Asian countries.
Exports to destinations beyond the US:
· Exports to China, the second-largest destination recording impressive growth with imports from India rising 22.7 % in value and 20.1 % in volume.
· The European Union posted robust gains with exports jumping 37.9 % in value and 35.2 % in volume indicating stronger demand recovery and widening acceptance of Indian seafood products.
· Southeast Asia emerged as another major growth centre registering an increase of 36.1 % in value and 28.2 % in volume.
· Japan remains a stable market with imports rising 6.55 % in value.
In contrast, exports to West Asia saw a marginal decline of 0.55 % largely attributed to the regional instability and logistical uncertainties towards the end of the financial year, according to the MPEDA.
Structural shift in India’s seafood export strategy
Several individual markets across continents have reportedly posted a double-digit growth signalling a broader structural shift in India’s seafood export strategy. Instead of relying heavily on one or two destinations, exporters increasingly spread risk across multiple geographies helping cushion the impact of tariffs, conflicts and demand fluctuations.
The modest dip in West Asian shipments has been described by the exporters as a temporary setback, the region remaining strategically important due to its:
· Large expatriate population;
· Premium hospitality demand, and;
· Proximity to India.
According to the Seafood Exporters’ Association of India (SEAI), once trade routes normalise and freight conditions improve, shipments to the region are expected to regain momentum.
Items in the export consignment beyond shrimp
Frozen shrimp once again emerged as the undisputed engine of India’s seafood export growth. The segment contributed ₹47,973.13 crore ($5.51 billion) accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s total marine export earnings.
However, beyond shrimp, several product categories also have delivered encouraging performance in 2025-26. Exports of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried marine items and live products registered positive growth. Surimi, fishmeal and fish oil have also reported improved performance.
However, chilled products witnessed a decline, possibly due to shorter shelf-life constraints and higher transportation costs according to the MPEDA.
Crucial role played by logistic infrastructure in sustaining export momentum
Logistics infrastructure played a crucial role in sustaining export momentum as the top five ports, Visakhapatnam, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata and Chennai together accounted for nearly 64 % of total export value. Efficient cold chain systems, refrigerated shipping container handling and port connectivity are said to have helped exporters navigate a difficult global shipping environment.
Epilogue
With a vast coastline and abundant marine life, India is one of the world’s leading exporters of seafood. Shrimp, fish, and mollusks, a group of soft-bodied invertebrates distributed across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats are among the seafood that the nation exports to important markets across the world.
The seafood exports sector is expected to grow steadily with diversified markets, government programs, and aquaculture developments. Exporters can increase their market share in the international markets by emphasizing sustainability, quality control, and digital transformation, it is opined.
India’s seafood industry is expected to have a significant impact on the direction of the global seafood trade in future as the demand for seafood keeps growing. The government has also urged exporters to work towards achieving Rs one lakh crore export target assuring its support.
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