India’s seafood exports have touched a record ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) in FY26, with volumes reaching 19.32 lakh tonnes.

Provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) said that frozen shrimp continued to be the primary growth driver, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore ($5.51 billion) and accounting for over two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp shipments grew 4.6 per cent in volume and 6.35 per cent in value.

The US retained its position as the largest export destination, with imports totalling $2.32 billion. However, shipments to the US declined by 19.8 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value, reflecting primarily the impact of reciprocal tariffs.

The slowdown in the US market was offset by strong growth in alternative markets such as China, the EU and Southeast Asian countries. Exports to China, the second-largest destination, rose 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1 per cent in volume. The EU posted strong gains, with exports increasing by 37.9 per cent in value and 35.2 per cent in volume. Southeast Asia also recorded significant expansion, with growth of over 36.1 per cent in value and 28.2 per cent in volume. Exports to Japan grew 6.55 per cent in value, while those to West Asia showed a marginal decline due to the turmoil in the region during the fag end of the financial year.

Several individual markets registered strong double-digit growth, underscoring a clear shift towards diversification amid trade headwinds in traditional markets.

On the product side, exports of frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried items, and live products showed positive momentum, while chilled products declined. Exports of surimi, fishmeal and fish oil also reported improved performance.

Among ports, Vizag, JNPT, Kochi, Kolkata and Chennai ports together accounted for nearly 64 per cent of the total export value.

Published on April 21, 2026