India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹72,000 Crore: A Sector Riding Global Demand

India’s seafood exports have touched a historic high, crossing ₹72,000 crore in the financial year 2025–26, marking a significant milestone for the country’s marine economy. India’s seafood exports are now valued at ₹72,325 crore (around $8.28 billion), backed by rising global demand and a steady expansion into newer international markets.

The numbers tell a deeper story than just growth. Export volumes climbed to nearly 19.3 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting not only increased demand but also improved supply chain efficiency and production capacity across India’s coastal regions.

At the heart of this surge is frozen shrimp, which continues to dominate India’s marine export basket. It alone contributed close to ₹48,000 crore, accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. The steady rise in shrimp shipments,  both in value and volume, has reinforced India’s position as one of the world’s leading seafood exporters.

What makes this year particularly interesting is the shifting geography of demand. While the United States remains India’s largest buyer, exports to the US saw a noticeable dip due to tariff-related challenges. Yet, the overall growth story remained intact, largely because India successfully expanded its footprint in alternative markets.

China emerged as a strong growth driver, with exports rising sharply in both value and volume. The European Union and Southeast Asia also posted robust double-digit growth, signalling a clear diversification strategy that is helping cushion the impact of trade disruptions in traditional markets.

Beyond shrimp, other categories such as frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish and value-added marine products also showed positive momentum. This indicates a gradual broadening of India’s seafood portfolio, moving beyond dependence on a single dominant product.

The Infrastructure Behind This Growth

Major ports like Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Chennai and Kolkata continue to serve as key export hubs, handling a significant share of outbound shipments. Their role highlights how logistics and port efficiency are becoming central to sustaining export momentum.

Still, the record numbers come with a note of caution. The dip in US demand underscores the sector’s vulnerability to global trade policies, while long-term sustainability, quality standards and diversification will remain critical for maintaining growth.

Seen in perspective, this milestone is about higher export earnings and it reflects a sector that is adapting, expanding and learning to navigate a rapidly changing global trade environment. If current trends hold, India’s seafood industry could be on track to scale even higher, with policymakers already eyeing ambitious targets for the coming years.