Highlights

• India’s seafood exports reached a record USD 8.46 billion in FY2025-26.
• Frozen shrimp contributed over 66% of total seafood export earnings.
• The United States and China remained the largest seafood export markets.

India’s seafood exports touched an all-time high during FY2025-26, achieving record levels in both volume and value despite global trade challenges. The latest data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) highlighted continued demand for Indian marine products across major international markets.

According to MPEDA Chairman P. Jawahar, India exported 19,72,018 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood during FY2025-26, valued at INR 73,890.46 crore (USD 8.46 billion). The performance reflects growth across several marine product categories, led by frozen shrimp, which remained the country's largest seafood export segment.

Source: Analysis by Kalkine 

Record Export Performance Despite Global Challenges

India’s seafood sector recorded its highest-ever export volume and value during the financial year. The achievement comes amid fluctuating global demand conditions, logistics challenges and changing trade dynamics across key markets.

Nevertheless, demand for Indian seafood products remained resilient, helping exporters achieve record revenues. The seafood sector continues to be an important contributor to India's agricultural and processed food exports while supporting employment across coastal states.

Frozen Shrimp Continues to Lead Export Basket

Frozen shrimp remained the dominant export category during FY2025-26. Exports of frozen shrimp generated INR 49,037.93 crore (USD 5,624.48 million), accounting for 40.19% of total seafood export volume and 66.52% of total export earnings in dollar terms.

Shrimp exports reached 7,92,647 MT during the year. In value terms, frozen shrimp exports registered growth of 13.16% in rupee terms and 8.64% in dollar terms compared with the previous financial year.

The United States remained the largest buyer of Indian shrimp, importing 2,56,128 MT, followed by China with 1,69,505 MT and the European Union with 1,35,599 MT. Both L. vannamei shrimp and Black Tiger shrimp recorded growth in export volume and value during the year.

Frozen Fish, Squid and Cuttlefish Show Growth

Frozen fish remained the second-largest seafood export category, generating export earnings of INR 5,658.37 crore (USD 643.70 million). Dried seafood products emerged as another notable contributor, generating INR 5,079.09 crore (USD 577.44 million). The segment recorded a 78.05% increase in value terms, reflecting growing international demand.

Frozen squid exports reached 1,02,060 MT and generated INR 4,493.80 crore (USD 513.84 million). Meanwhile, frozen cuttlefish exports rose to 67,157 MT. Export volume increased by 13.32%, while export value rose by 16.25% in US dollar terms, reaching USD 331.96 million.

United States and China Remain Key Markets

The United States continued to be India's largest seafood market in value terms. During FY2025-26, India exported 2,79,193 MT of seafood to the U.S., valued at INR 20,263.27 crore (USD 2,328.74 million). However, exports to the United States declined by 10.82% in rupee value, 14.22% in dollar value and 19.51% in volume compared to the previous year. Frozen shrimp accounted for 93.55% of India's seafood export value to the U.S.

China emerged as the largest destination by quantity, importing 4,90,369 MT of seafood valued at USD 1,611.32 million. The European Union remained the third-largest market by value, importing 2,97,518 MT worth USD 1,592.09 million. South-East Asia imported 4,51,756 MT valued at USD 1,348.97 million, while Japan and the Middle East remained important export destinations.

Major Export Gateways Handle Rising Volumes

India’s seafood exports were primarily routed through three major ports during FY2025-26. Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Kochi emerged as the leading export gateways for marine products.

The performance of these ports highlights their importance in facilitating growing seafood exports and supporting trade connectivity with international markets.

Industry Outlook Linked to Global Demand Trends

The record export performance reflects continued international demand for Indian marine products and the sector's ability to expand shipments across multiple markets. Export trends across the United States, China, the European Union and South-East Asia may remain important indicators for seafood exporters in the coming quarters.

Future performance may also depend on global consumption trends, trade policies, freight costs and currency movements.

Key Risks to Watch

• Demand weakness in major export markets may affect volumes.
• Trade restrictions could impact seafood market access.
• Rising freight costs may pressure exporter margins.
• Disease outbreaks could affect aquaculture production.

Summary

India’s seafood exports reached a record USD 8.46 billion in FY2025-26, with export volumes touching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp remained the largest export category, contributing over two-thirds of total export earnings. The United States and China continued to be the primary export destinations, while products such as squid, cuttlefish and dried seafood also recorded growth during the year.

FAQs

Q: What was the value of India’s seafood exports in FY2025-26?

A: India exported seafood worth INR 73,890.46 crore, equivalent to USD 8.46 billion during FY2025-26.

Q: Which seafood product contributed the highest export earnings?

A: Frozen shrimp generated USD 5.62 billion and accounted for over 66% of seafood export earnings.

Q: Which countries were the largest buyers of Indian seafood?

A: The United States led in value terms, while China was the largest importer by export volume.