India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high during the financial year 2025–26, demonstrating the resilience and growing competitiveness of the country’s marine products sector amid challenging global market conditions. According to Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Chairman Shri P. Jawahar, IAS, India exported 19,72,018 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood worth ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.46 billion), achieving record levels in both volume and value.
The United States and China continued to dominate as the leading destinations for Indian seafood exports, while frozen shrimp retained its position as the country’s most valuable marine export product.
Frozen shrimp emerged as the key driver of export earnings, generating ₹49,037.93 crore (USD 5,624.48 million) during FY 2025–26. The product accounted for 40.19 percent of the total seafood export volume and contributed 66.52 percent of total export earnings in US dollar terms. Shrimp exports registered strong growth, increasing by 13.16 percent in rupee value and 8.64 percent in dollar value compared to the previous year.
A total of 7,92,647 MT of frozen shrimp was exported during the year. The United States remained the largest importer of Indian shrimp, purchasing 2,56,128 MT, followed by China with 1,69,505 MT. Other major markets included the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East. Exports of both Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) and Black Tiger shrimp recorded positive growth in terms of volume and value.
Frozen fish ranked as the second-largest seafood export category, earning ₹5,658.37 crore (USD 643.70 million). Dried seafood products secured the third position, generating ₹5,079.09 crore (USD 577.44 million). Notably, dried seafood exports witnessed a remarkable growth of 78.05 percent in rupee value terms, reflecting rising international demand.
Among cephalopod products, frozen squid exports reached 1,02,060 MT and generated revenue of ₹4,493.80 crore (USD 513.84 million). Frozen cuttlefish exports also posted impressive gains, growing by 13.32 percent in quantity and 16.25 percent in dollar value. Total cuttlefish exports stood at 67,157 MT, valued at USD 331.96 million.
The export performance of value-added seafood segments also remained encouraging. Chilled seafood products earned ₹622.31 crore (USD 71.27 million), while live seafood exports recorded an 11.46 percent increase in dollar value, reaching USD 62.43 million.
In terms of destination markets, the United States retained its position as the largest importer of Indian seafood by value. Imports from India were valued at ₹20,263.27 crore (USD 2,328.74 million), with a total volume of 2,79,193 MT. However, exports to the US experienced a decline of 10.82 percent in rupee value, 14.22 percent in dollar value, and 19.51 percent in volume compared to the previous year. Frozen shrimp continued to dominate shipments to the US, accounting for 93.55 percent of the total export value to that market.
China emerged as the largest destination in terms of quantity, importing 4,90,369 MT of Indian seafood worth USD 1,611.32 million. The European Union remained the third-largest market by value, importing 2,97,518 MT valued at USD 1,592.09 million.
Southeast Asia followed closely, importing 4,51,756 MT worth USD 1,348.97 million. Japan maintained its position as the fifth-largest importer, purchasing 1,05,228 MT valued at USD 452.91 million. The Middle East ranked sixth, importing 76,743 MT of seafood worth USD 283 million.
India’s export infrastructure also played a crucial role in supporting this record performance. The top three ports handling seafood export cargo during FY 2025–26 were Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), and Kochi.
The record-breaking export figures highlight the growing global acceptance of Indian seafood products and underscore the sector’s contribution to the country’s export economy. Despite fluctuations in international demand and market uncertainties, India’s seafood industry has demonstrated sustained growth, strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading seafood exporters.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
