New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): India’s marine exports surged to an all-time high of Rs 72,325.82 crore (USD 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, with total export volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) on Tuesday.
Frozen shrimp remained the primary driver of growth, contributing Rs 47,973.13 crore (USD 5.51 billion) and accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp exports recorded a 4.6 percent increase in volume and a 6.35 percent rise in value.
The United States continued to be the largest importer of Indian seafood at USD 2.32 billion. However, exports to the U.S. declined by 19.8 percent in volume and 14.5 percent in value, largely due to reciprocal tariff impacts.
The slowdown in U.S. demand was offset by strong growth in other markets. Exports to China rose by 22.7 percent in value and 20.1 percent in volume, while shipments to the European Union increased by 37.9 percent in value and 35.2 percent in volume. Southeast Asian markets also recorded growth of more than 36 percent in value.
Exports to Japan increased by 6.55 percent in value, while shipments to West Asia saw a marginal decline of 0.55 percent amid regional instability toward the end of the financial year.
Among product categories, frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live products recorded positive growth, while chilled products declined. Surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil exports also showed improvement.
In terms of logistics, five major ports—Visakhapatnam, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai—accounted for nearly 64 percent of total export value, underscoring their importance in India’s seafood export ecosystem. (ANI)
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