India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high during FY 2025-26, with export volumes touching 19,72,018 metric tonnes (MT) and total export earnings rising to ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.46 billion). The record performance highlights the strength and resilience of India’s marine products sector despite challenging global market conditions.
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the achievement marks the highest-ever seafood export volume and value recorded by the country.
Strong Demand from Global Markets Drives Growth
The United States and China continued to be the largest importers of Indian seafood, while demand remained strong across the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East.
India’s diversified export portfolio and strong processing capabilities helped maintain growth momentum across major international markets.
Frozen Shrimp Remains the Leading Export Product
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India’s seafood export basket and remained the primary contributor to export earnings. Other major export products included:
- Frozen fish
- Dried seafood products
- Frozen squid
- Frozen cuttlefish
- Chilled seafood products
- Live seafood products
Exports of chilled seafood products generated ₹622.31 crore (USD 71.27 million), while live seafood exports recorded an impressive 11.46% growth in dollar value, reaching USD 62.43 million.
United States Remains Top Market by Value
The United States retained its position as India’s largest seafood export destination in value terms.
Exports to the United States
- Export Value: USD 2,328.74 million
- Volume: 2,79,193 MT
- Share of Frozen Shrimp: 93.55% of export value
Despite remaining the largest market, exports to the US witnessed declines during FY26:
- 10.82% decline in rupee value
- 14.22% decline in dollar value
- 19.51% decline in export volume
China Emerges as Largest Importer by Volume
China remained the largest destination for Indian seafood exports in terms of quantity imported.
Exports to China
- Volume: 4,90,369 MT
- Export Value: USD 1,611.32 million
China’s strong demand for marine products continued to support India’s export growth and market diversification efforts.
European Union and Southeast Asia Remain Key Markets
The European Union ranked as the third-largest export destination in value terms.
Exports to the European Union
- Volume: 2,97,518 MT
- Export Value: USD 1,592.09 million
Exports to Southeast Asia
- Volume: 4,51,756 MT
- Export Value: USD 1,348.97 million
These regions continue to play a vital role in India’s seafood export strategy.
Japan and Middle East Maintain Strong Demand
Exports to Japan
- Volume: 1,05,228 MT
- Export Value: USD 452.91 million
Exports to the Middle East
- Volume: 76,743 MT
- Export Value: USD 283 million
Both markets remained important destinations for premium seafood products from India.
Leading Ports Handling Seafood Exports
India’s seafood export logistics network was led by three major ports during FY26:
- Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Port
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
- Kochi Port
These ports handled a significant share of the country’s seafood export cargo, supporting efficient global trade connectivity.
Key Highlights:
- India exported 19,72,018 MT of seafood during FY26.
- Seafood export earnings reached a record USD 8.46 billion.
- The United States remained the largest market by export value.
- China emerged as the largest importer by export volume.
- Frozen shrimp continued to be India's top seafood export product.
- Live seafood exports grew by 11.46% in value terms.
- The European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East remained major export destinations.
- Vizag, JNPT, and Kochi were the leading ports for seafood export shipments.
