New Delhi: India’s seafood exports rose to an all-time high in FY 2025-26, reaching 19,72,018 Metric Tonnes (MT) in volume and Rs 73,890.46 crore in value, according to the Marine Products Export Development Authority.
Frozen shrimp remained the dominant export driver, with shipments at 7,92,647 MT generating Rs 49,037.93 crore. Shrimp accounted for 40.19% of total export volume and 66.52% of total dollar earnings, marking it as the single biggest contributor to India’s seafood export basket. The segment recorded growth of 13.16% in rupee terms and 8.64% in dollar terms, according to an official statement.
The US and China continued as the top destinations for Indian seafood exports. China emerged as the largest importer by volume at 4,90,369 MT, while the US imported 2,79,193 MT worth Rs 20,263.27 crore. The US, however, saw a decline of 10.82% in rupee value, 14.22% in dollar value, and 19.51% in volume compared to the previous year.
The EU remained the third-largest market, importing 2,97,518 MT worth USD 1,592.09 million, followed by South-East Asia at 4,51,756 MT worth USD 1,348.97 million. Japan imported 1,05,228 MT valued at USD 452.91 million, while the Middle East accounted for 76,743 MT worth USD 283 million.
Among other categories, frozen fish earned Rs 5,658.37 crore, while dried seafood posted a sharp increase of 78.05% in value terms, reaching Rs 5,079.09 crore. Frozen squid exports stood at 1,02,060 MT worth Rs 4,493.80 crore, and frozen cuttlefish reached 67,157 MT, valued at USD 331.96 million.
Chilled seafood exports were valued at Rs 622.31 crore, while live seafood exports grew 11.46% in dollar terms to USD 62.43 million.
India’s seafood exports were largely routed through Visakhapatnam, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, and Kochi, which remained the top ports handling marine shipments.
The record performance reflects strong global demand, continued dominance of shrimp, and steady expansion across diversified seafood categories, reinforcing India’s position in global marine trade.
