India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹72,325 Crore in FY 2025-26: Marine Products Export Development Authority Data

India’s seafood exports have reached the all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore in the FY 2025-26 as per the data released by Marine Products Export Development Authority. The export volumes had also surged to 19.32 lakh metric tonnes and indicates the strong global demand. While facing the some of the challenges in the traditional markets like the United States India have successfully expanded the alternative destinations such as China, the European Union and Southeast Asia and marks the important shift.

Record-Breaking Growth in Seafood Exports

India’s seafood sector has highlighted the remarkable resilience and growth.

The latest figures showcased the both increased export value and volume and also reinforced the country’s position as a leading global seafood exporter.

The growth is particularly significant in the context of global trade uncertainties and showcasing the India’s ability to adapt and diversify the export markets effectively.

Frozen Shrimp The Backbone of Exports

Frozen shrimp have continues to dominate the India’s seafood exports and it contributes ₹47,973.13 crore which is more than two-thirds of total export earnings.

The segment recorded,

• 4.6% growth in the volume
• 6.35% growth in the value

This continuous consistent performance highlights that the shrimp’s role as the primary driver of the India’s marine export economy.

Changing Global Markets and Alternative

The United States has been remained the top destination which is importing US$ 2.32 billion worth of seafood.

However exports to the US declined due to the reciprocal tariffs imposition in which the,

• 19.8% drop experienced in volume
• 14.5% decline in export value of the shrimp.

Strong Growth in New Markets

India try to overcome this decline by expanding into the alternative regions like.

China

• 22.7% increase in the value
• 20.1% increase in the volume

European Union

• 37.9% growth in the value
• 35.2% growth in the volume

Southeast Asia

• Over all 36.1% growth in value
• 28.2% increase in volume of exports

Japan

• Saw the 6.55% growth in value

Meanwhile the exports to the West Asia saw the slight decline due to the regional instability.

Product-Wise Performance

Apart from the shrimp several other marine products have showed the positive growth.

• Frozen fish, squid and cuttlefish has recorded the growth.
• Also the dried seafood and live products gained attention.
• Surimi, fishmeal and fish oil exports have improved significantly.

Key Ports Driving Seafood Exports

India’s seafood export logistics are heavily supported by the major ports. The top five ports which are contributing nearly 64% of the total export value includes the,

• Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT)
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Chennai

Question

1. Which product contributed the highest share to India’s seafood exports in FY 2025-26?
A. Frozen fish
B. Dried seafood
C. Frozen shrimp
D. Fish oil