India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record at ₹72,000 Crore
China emerged as the second-largest destination, while exports to the EU and Southeast Asia posted substantial double-digit growth.
Nellore:India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high of Rs 72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in 2025–26, marking a significant milestone in the country’s marine export sector.
Export volumes stood at 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, with frozen shrimp continuing to dominate as the leading contributor. The segment alone accounted for Rs 47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion), contributing over two-thirds of total export earnings, according to the marine products export development authority.
The US remained the largest importer of Indian seafood, valued at $ 2.32 billion. However, exports to the US saw a decline due to tariff-related factors. This dip was offset by strong growth in alternative markets such as China, the European Union, and Southeast Asia, all of which recorded robust increases in both volume and value.
China emerged as the second-largest destination, while exports to the EU and Southeast Asia posted substantial double-digit growth. Japan also recorded moderate gains, though shipments to West Asia saw a slight decline by the end of the financial year.
On the product front, frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, and dried items showed positive momentum, while chilled products declined. Key export hubs—including Visakhapatnam, JNPT (Navi Mumbai), Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai—handled nearly 64 per cent of the total export value, underlining their importance in the supply chain.
Officials said the growth reflects diversification into new markets and resilience amid global trade challenges.