India has set a record in seafood exports in the financial year 2025-26. This year, the country’s total seafood exports were 7.68 billion US dollars. Its value in Indian currency is about ₹72,325.82 crore. This is a big achievement for India.
This success did not come easily. There are problems like American tariffs and the increased cost of hiring ships. There were also various problems with shipping around the world. Yet Indian exporters did not give up. They found new ways and went to new markets.
This success is very important for the country’s economy. It brings in foreign exchange. It creates job opportunities for many people. Its impact is especially visible in coastal areas. India’s maritime industry became stronger.
An Overview of India’s Seafood Exports
In 2025-26, India’s seafood exports reached a new high. The total export value stood at ₹72,325.82 crore. Its value in dollars is 7.68 billion.
The total quantity of exports was 19.32 lakh metric tons. This is also a record. The export value has increased by about 11.2% compared to the previous year. The export volume has also increased at a good rate. This shows that the demand for Indian seafood products in the international market is increasing. An IEC registration is crucial for India’s seafood exports.
This information was first released by MPEDA. Later, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry also confirmed it. So, this is proof of the strong position of India’s seafood sector.
Key information at a glance
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Export Value | ₹72,325.82 crore |
| Export Value in USD | USD 7.68 billion |
| Total Export Volume | 19.32 lakh metric tonnes |
| Annual Growth Rate | Around 11.2% |
Key Marine Products in Growth
Frozen shrimp has made the biggest contribution to India’s seafood exports. In 2025-26, the revenue from this product was ₹47,973.13 crore. It is about 5.51 billion dollars.
More than 66% of the total maritime export revenue came from frozen shrimp alone. Therefore, it can be called the main driving force of this sector. Its export volume increased by 4.6%. And the price has increased by 6.35%.
There is a demand for Indian shrimp in the global market. The quality is good; the price is also competitive. So, foreign buyers trust Indian shrimp.
Frozen Shrimp Performance
| Metric | Details |
| Export Value | ₹47,973.13 crore |
| Export Value in USD | USD 5.51 billion |
| Share in Total Exports | More than 66% |
| Volume Growth | 4.60% |
| Value Growth | 6.35% |
Not only shrimp, but many other marine products have also done well. The demand for frozen fish was stable. Especially in the Asian market, the demand is quite good.
Squid and cuttlefish have also been exported well. In addition, the market for dried marine products, surimi, fishmeal, and fish oil has also increased. However, the export of chilled products has decreased slightly.
This diversity is very good news for India. Because relying completely on one product is always risky. If there are different types of products, there is stability in the market.
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What Drove This Record Growth?
This great success of Indian seafood exports did not come suddenly. Behind it was planning, investment, and the right timing. Exporters did not just rely on old markets. They found new markets and created their own niche. So, dependence on any one country has largely reduced.
At the same time, special emphasis has been placed on improving the quality of products. In the international market, not only are low prices needed, but good quality is also needed. India has made a lot of progress in the area. Compliance with international standards of food safety and quality has also played a major role in increasing exports.
Cold chains, modern ports, and advanced processing facilities have also contributed to this success. In addition, the use of new technologies in aquaculture and processing sectors has made production more efficient. There was also good coordination between the government, exporters, and investors. This growth was the result of many right steps taken together.
Key Reasons
- New market entry, resulting in reduced dependence on one country
- Emphasis on product quality and value addition
- Adherence to international food safety standards
- Investment in cold chain and port infrastructure
- Use of technology in aquaculture and processing
- Good coordination between the government, exporters, and investors has helped the industry move forward.
Major Export Markets for Indian Seafood
The US is still India’s largest seafood export market. In 2025-26, the value of Indian seafood exports to the US was worth US$2.32 billion. However, this market has also seen some pressure. Especially, both the volume and value of exports to the US have decreased slightly due to the increase in tariffs.
But the best news is that the demand for Indian seafood is now growing rapidly. Especially in China, the European Union, and Southeast Asian countries.
Fast-growing markets
- China: Imports from India have increased significantly.
- European Union: Good growth in both value and volume.
- Southeast Asia: Emerging as a new and promising market.
Growth in Key Markets
- China: 22.7%
- European Union: 37.9%
This market diversity is India’s great strength. If there is a problem in one market, other markets help to cope with the shock. This makes the export sector more stable in the long run.
Read more – Indian Seafood Industry: Export & FSSAI Guidelines
Government Support and Policy Initiatives
The role of the government is also very important behind this success of India’s seafood exports. The National Traceability Framework was launched in 2025. So, transparency about the source, quality, and supply of products has increased a lot. This has strengthened the confidence of foreign buyers.
Meeting international standards has also become much easier now. The government has provided various supports, especially to comply with global rules like the MMPA. They also focus on the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). It is essential for sustainable fishing.
In addition, 211 export-oriented processing units have been approved. These are helping to export to markets like Europe, the UK, China, Russia, and Brazil. The Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 was also quite important. It created an opportunity for direct interaction between Indian exporters and foreign buyers.
Major Government Initiatives
- National Traceability Framework launched
- Support to meet international standards
- Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) were introduced
- 211 export-oriented units approved
- Organisation of Seafood Exporters Meet 2026
Economic Impact of Increased Exports
This record success of India’s seafood exports has had a major impact on the country’s economy. The biggest benefit is the increase in foreign exchange earnings. This has strengthened the country’s foreign trade. In addition, employment has been created for many people in coastal and rural areas. Fishermen, labourers, and transport workers will benefit from this.
Moreover, this growth is not limited to the export sector alone. It has had an impact on many other allied industries. So, overall economic activity has also increased.
Key Economic Impact
- Increased foreign exchange earnings
- Employment in coastal and rural areas
- Expansion of the seafood processing industry
- Development of cold storage infrastructure
- Increased demand in the packaging industry
- Growth in the transportation and logistics sector
- India’s position in the global seafood trade is even stronger
Future of India’s Seafood Industry
The future of the Indian seafood industry is very bright. Opportunities are being created to enter new markets. The demand for Indian seafood products is increasing, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
India is eyeing Rs 1 lakh crore in seafood exports by 2030, provided it diversifies into high-value categories, meets compliance requirements, and strengthens cold-chain infrastructure.
More emphasis will be given to sustainable aquaculture in the coming days. Because now the demand for environmentally friendly production is very high in the global market.
The rate of use of improved farming methods, modern processing technologies, and automation will also increase. Investments in ports, cold chains, and export infrastructure will continue. So, India’s seafood export sector has a strong growth opportunity in the long term.
Read more – FSSAI Introduced a Scientific Format for Food Safety Risk Assessments from 2026
Corpbiz’s Support for Seafood Exporters in Compliance
In the seafood export business, proper licenses, registrations, and legal approvals are very important. Corpbiz acts as a reliable partner. We help with starting a new business to obtain various export-related approvals.
Our Services-
- Company registration services
- Import Export Code (IEC) registration
- FSSAI License
- MPEDA registration
- APEDA registration (where applicable)
- Environmental approvals and pollution board NOC
- Export documentation support
- Regulatory compliance management
- Sustainability certifications and international standards compliance
Conclusion
India’s seafood exports in 2025-26 have truly set a record. This is not just a big number but also a testament to how far the country’s maritime industry has come. India has achieved this success despite various international challenges. It is truly a matter of pride.
Behind this success was the effort to enter new markets, use advanced technology, and maintain good quality. However, to move forward, it is not enough to just increase exports. Following the right rules is also very important. Sustainable production is now equally important.Corpbiz plays an important role. It simplifies company registration, licensing, certification, and other legal work. So, businessmen can focus on growing their business with less hassle. Corpbiz is truly a reliable partner for long-term success.
Need-to-Know Questions About Seafood Exports
Why did India's seafood exports increase so much in 2025-26?
India's seafood exports did well in 2025-26. This was an increase in demand abroad. Especially, the demand for Indian shrimp has increased a lot. Moreover, India did not stick to only old markets. It has also increased exports to new countries. Good quality, good packing, and fast delivery also helped with this.
Which product contributed the most to India's seafood exports?
Frozen shrimp, meaning frozen shrimp, is the largest product of India's seafood exports. A lot of the total export earnings come from this product. Its demands abroad are always good. The quality of Indian shrimp is also quite good. And the price is also competitive. So, many countries prefer to buy shrimp from India. It can be said that it is the real star of this sector.
Why is frozen shrimp so important?
Frozen shrimp is like the backbone of India's seafood exports. There is a demand for this product in many countries. America, China, and Europe have good markets. The quality of Indian shrimp is good, so buyers trust it. It brings a lot of foreign exchanges to the country. The livelihood of millions of people is linked to this sector. So, it is very important.
Which countries import Indian seafood the most?
The United States is still the largest buyer of Indian seafood. Next is China. European Union countries also buy a lot of marine products from India. In addition, the Southeast Asian market is also growing rapidly. This is very good for India. Because you don't have to rely on a single market. Business is also much safer.
How has India increased exports despite the US tariff pressure?
There was a problem with the increase in tariffs in America. But India quickly turned its attention to other markets. Exports were increased to China, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This greatly reduced the impact of low demand on America. This smart move has helped maintain India's export growth.
What is the National Traceability Framework?
This is a system that helps track the entire journey of seafood. This increases transparency. Foreign buyers also get more trust. Now, such tracking is very important in the international market.
What does India gain from increased seafood exports?
The biggest benefit is foreign exchange earnings. This strengthens the country's economy. It also creates job opportunities for many people in coastal and rural areas. Many sectors benefit from this- fisheries, processing, packaging, and transportation. So, it has a great impact.
What are the challenges facing the Indian seafood industry?
There are some challenges facing the Indian seafood industry. For example, foreign tariffs sometimes create problems. Ship rental and transportation costs have increased. The impact of climate change is also now visible. Competition with countries like Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia is also increasing. So, we need to plan to stay ahead in the future.
What licenses are required to export seafood?
Some important licenses are required to start exporting seafood. Such as IEC, FSSAI license, and MPEDA registration. In some cases, APEDA registration may also be required. In addition, company registration, environmental approvals, and some local licenses may also be required. These may change depending on the type of business.
How does Corpbiz help seafood exporters?
Corpbiz provides various types of support to seafood exporters. We help with company registration, IEC, FSSAI, MPEDA, and other licenses. We also help with documentation, environmental approvals, and compliance-related work. This makes starting a business much easier and running your business in a hassle-free way.
