India’s Seafood Exports Reach Record Rs 72,325 Crore in FY 2025-26

India’s seafood exports reached a historic high in FY 2025–26, reflecting strong global demand, policy support and diversification into new markets. According to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the country’s seafood exports rose to a record ₹72,325.82 crore (US$8.28 billion) , marking an 11.2% year-on-year increase , with export volumes touching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes .

The fisheries sector remains central to the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” , with a focus on improving the livelihoods of fish farmers and strengthening the marine export economy. To support this goal, the government has taken several initiatives to modernise fisheries and expand export opportunities. These include a Round Table Conference on Seafood Exports involving diplomats from 39 countries , investors’ meets in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, and the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 in New Delhi , aimed at strengthening the marine export ecosystem and promoting value-added products.

Regulatory and compliance frameworks have also been strengthened through the National Traceability Framework launched in 2025 , mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawling, stricter antibiotic-residue monitoring, and the EEZ Rules, 2025 , which promote sustainable deep-sea fishing and export-oriented marine resource utilisation.

In terms of products, frozen shrimp remained the dominant export item , contributing ₹47,973.13 crore (US$5.51 billion) —over two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp shipments grew 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value , reinforcing its dominance in India’s marine export basket.

The United States remained the largest export destination , importing seafood worth US$2.32 billion , though shipments declined sharply due to reciprocal tariffs, falling 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value . However, this decline was offset by strong growth in alternative markets. Exports to China rose 22.7% in value and 20.1% in volume , while the European Union recorded growth of 37.9% in value and 35.2% in volume . Southeast Asian markets also expanded significantly, with growth of 36.1% in value and 28.2% in volume .

On the product front, exports of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried seafood and live products recorded positive momentum, while chilled seafood exports declined. Value-added segments such as surimi, fishmeal and fish oil also registered improved performance.

In logistics, the five major ports, Vizag, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata and Chennai, handled nearly 64% of the total export value , highlighting their critical role in India’s seafood export supply chain.