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India's Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹72,000 Crore in FY26, Shrimp Leads

India's seafood exports achieved a historic high of ₹72,325.82 crore in the 2025-26 financial year. Frozen shrimp was the primary growth driver, making up more than two-thirds of the total export earnings. While exports to the United States declined, significant growth in markets like China and the European Union compensated for the shortfall. Major ports like Visakhapatnam and JNPT handled nearly two-thirds of the export value, highlighting their critical role.

Key Points: India Seafood Exports Record ₹72,000 Crore FY26 | Shrimp Growth

  • Record ₹72,325 crore export value
  • Frozen shrimp contributes over 66%
  • US remains top market despite decline
  • China & EU show over 22% value growth
2 min read

India's seafood exports hit record Rs 72,000 crore in FY26; Frozen shrimp leads growth

India's seafood exports reached a record ₹72,325 crore in FY26. Frozen shrimp was the top earner as exports to China and the EU surged, offsetting a US decline.

"Frozen shrimp remained the key driver of growth, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore - Marine Products Export Development Authority"

New Delhi, April 21

India's marine exports surged to an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore in FY 2025-26, with total export volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority on Tuesday.

Frozen shrimp remained the key driver of growth, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore (USD 5.51 billion), accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp exports recorded a 4.6 per cent increase in volume and a 6.35 per cent rise in value.

The United States continued to be the largest importer of Indian seafood at USD 2.32 billion. However, exports to the US declined by 19.8 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value, largely due to reciprocal tariff impacts.

The downturn in US demand was offset by strong growth in other markets. Exports to China rose by 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1 per cent in volume, while shipments to the European Union grew by 37.9 per cent in value and 35.2 per cent in volume. Southeast Asian markets also registered significant gains, with growth of over 36 per cent in value.

Exports to Japan increased by 6.55 per cent in value, whereas shipments to West Asia saw a marginal decline of 0.55 per cent amid regional instability toward the end of the financial year.

Among product categories, frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live products recorded positive growth, while chilled products witnessed a decline. Surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil exports also improved.

In terms of logistics, five major ports--Visakhapatnam, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai--accounted for nearly 64 per cent of total export value, underlining their importance in India's seafood export ecosystem.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great numbers, but I hope this growth is sustainable and the fishermen are getting their fair share. Sometimes these record exports don't translate to better prices for the actual producers at the village level.
A
Arjun K
Visakhapatnam and Kochi ports leading the way! This is a big boost for coastal states and employment. The focus should now be on quality control and branding so 'Indian Seafood' becomes a global premium label.
S
Sarah B
Interesting data. The shift from the US to China/EU is significant. While the growth is impressive, the decline in the US market due to tariffs is a concern. We need strong trade diplomacy to protect these key industries.
V
Vikram M
More than 72,000 crore! That's huge. But as a consumer, I wonder if this export focus affects the availability and price of good quality fish and prawns in our own local markets? Sometimes the best catch gets exported.
K
Karthik V
The growth in Surimi and fishmeal is a good sign of value addition within the industry. We're not just exporting raw materials anymore. Hope the government continues to support the sector with better infrastructure and cold chains.

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