India's seafood exports achieved a record value of ₹72,325.82 crore (approximately $8.28 billion) in the financial year 2025-26, primarily due to a depreciation of the Indian rupee rather than significant increases in actual trade volumes. The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) expressed caution, highlighting that despite the increase in export earnings, the sector faces challenges, particularly in the US market, where exports fell by 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value. Frozen shrimp continues to be the dominant product, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore (about $5.51 billion) to total earnings. While other markets such as China and the European Union have shown growth—22.7% and 37.9% increases in value respectively—the decline in the US market, known for its demand for premium seafood, raises concerns about future employment in seafood processing units across states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Gujarat. The SEAI cautioned that the full impact of geopolitical disruptions, particularly in West Asia, on freight and buyer sentiment will become clearer in the coming months, as the bulk of India's seafood exports typically occur between June and December.