India's Seafood Exports Reach Record High Amid Market Challenges
All-time high seafood exports mask stress in key markets: Exporters
Business Standard
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India's seafood exports hit a record ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) in 2025-26, driven largely by rupee depreciation rather than real trade growth. While frozen shrimp remains a key contributor, exporters warn of underlying stress in key markets, particularly the US, where volumes and values have declined significantly.
- 01India's seafood exports reached ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) in 2025-26.
- 02Frozen shrimp accounted for over two-thirds of total marine export earnings.
- 03Exports to the US declined by 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value.
- 04Growth in exports to China, the EU, and Southeast Asia offset US market declines.
- 05Concerns remain about the impact of geopolitical disruptions on future exports.
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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.
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The decline in exports to the US could lead to reduced employment opportunities in seafood processing units, particularly affecting labor-intensive operations in coastal states.
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