India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹73,890 Crore in FY 2025–26 Despite Global Market Challenges
New Delhi, June 1, 2026: India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high during the financial year 2025–26, with shipments touching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes (MT) valued at ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.46 billion), underscoring the sector’s resilience amid challenging global market conditions.
Announcing the record performance, P. Jawahar, IAS, Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), said India achieved historic highs in both export volume and value, driven primarily by robust demand for frozen shrimp and expanding overseas markets.
Frozen Shrimp Continues to Dominate Exports
Frozen shrimp remained the cornerstone of India’s seafood export basket, accounting for 40.19% of total export volume and 66.52% of total export earnings in dollar terms.
During FY 2025–26, India exported 7,92,647 MT of frozen shrimp, generating revenues of ₹49,037.93 crore (USD 5.62 billion). Shrimp exports recorded a growth of 13.16% in rupee value and 8.64% in dollar value compared to the previous fiscal.
The United States retained its position as the largest importer of Indian shrimp, purchasing 2,56,128 MT, followed by:
- China – 1,69,505 MT
- European Union – 1,35,599 MT
- Southeast Asia – 83,810 MT
- Japan – 40,776 MT
- Middle East – 30,478 MT
Exports of both Litopenaeus vannamei (Vannamei shrimp) and Black Tiger shrimp registered healthy growth in volume and value.
Frozen Fish and Dried Seafood Register Strong Performance
Frozen fish emerged as the second-largest export category, earning ₹5,658.37 crore (USD 643.70 million).
Dried seafood products secured the third position with export earnings of ₹5,079.09 crore (USD 577.44 million), posting an impressive 78.05% growth in rupee value, making it one of the fastest-growing segments within the seafood sector.
Squid and Cuttlefish Exports Expand
India exported 1,02,060 MT of frozen squid, earning ₹4,493.80 crore (USD 513.84 million) during the year.
Frozen cuttlefish exports also recorded notable growth, increasing by 13.32% in volume and 16.25% in dollar value, with total shipments reaching 67,157 MT valued at USD 331.96 million.
Meanwhile, exports of chilled seafood products generated ₹622.31 crore (USD 71.27 million), while live seafood exports grew by 11.46% in dollar terms, reaching USD 62.43 million.
United States and China Remain Key Markets
The United States continued to be India’s largest seafood export destination in value terms, importing seafood worth ₹20,263.27 crore (USD 2.33 billion) and totaling 2,79,193 MT in volume.
However, exports to the US witnessed declines of:
- 10.82% in rupee value
- 14.22% in dollar value
- 19.51% in volume
Despite the decline, frozen shrimp accounted for an overwhelming 93.55% of India’s seafood export value to the American market.
China remained the largest importer by quantity, purchasing 4,90,369 MT of Indian seafood valued at USD 1.61 billion.
The European Union ranked third among export destinations, importing 2,97,518 MT worth USD 1.59 billion.
Other major markets included:
| Market | Quantity Imported | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | 4,51,756 MT | USD 1.35 billion |
| Japan | 1,05,228 MT | USD 452.91 million |
| Middle East | 76,743 MT | USD 283 million |
Major Export Hubs
The country’s seafood export logistics continued to be anchored by three major ports. The top cargo-handling ports during FY 2025–26 were:
- Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
- Kochi Port
Sector Shows Strong Global Competitiveness
The record-breaking performance highlights the growing global demand for Indian marine products and the competitiveness of India’s seafood industry. Despite fluctuations in international markets and trade challenges, the sector has continued to expand its footprint across major export destinations, strengthening its contribution to India’s agricultural and marine economy.
Industry observers believe sustained investments in aquaculture, processing infrastructure, quality standards and export diversification will further enhance India’s position as one of the world’s leading seafood exporters in the coming years.
Source: Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) / PIB Delhi
