P Jawahar, Chairman, MPEDA, addressing the media at the announcement of seafood exports for 2025-26. Left to Right: Ram Mohan M K, Director, Gibin Kumar T R, Secretary and Anil Kumar P, Joint Director (Marketing).

Defying global market challenges, India’s seafood exports touched a record high of ₹73,890.46 crore ($8.46 billion) in FY26, registering a 13.44 per cent increase in value with shipments totalling 19.72 lakh tonne.

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Chairman P. Jawahar said the country achieved its highest-ever seafood export volume and value during the fiscal. The United States and China continued to be the key markets for Indian seafood.

Frozen shrimp remained the top export item, earning ₹49,037.93 crore ($5.62 billion) and accounting for 40.19 per cent of export volume and 66.52 per cent of total export earnings. Exports of frozen shrimp stood at 7,92,647 tonne. The US imported 2,56,128 tonne, followed by China (1,69,505 tonne), the European Union (1,35,599 tonne), Southeast Asia (83,810 tonne), Japan (40,776 tonne) and West Asia (30,478 tonne).

Frozen fish was the second-largest export category, generating ₹5,658.37 crore ($643.70 million), while dried marine products earned ₹5,079.09 crore ($577.44 million). Exports of frozen squid reached 1,02,060 tonne worth ₹4,493.80 crore ($513.84 million), while frozen cuttlefish exports totalled 67,157 tonne valued at $331.96 million.

The US remained India’s largest seafood market by value, importing 2,79,193 tonne worth ₹20,263.27 crore ($2.33 billion). However, exports to the US declined by 10.82 per cent in rupee terms, 14.22 per cent in dollar terms and 19.51 per cent in volume.

China emerged as the largest destination by volume, importing 4,90,369 tonne worth $1.61 billion. The European Union remained the third-largest market with imports worth $1.59 billion, followed by Southeast Asia ($1.35 billion), Japan ($452.91 million) and West Asia ($283 million).

Published on June 1, 2026