India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹73,890 Crore in FY 2025‑26 – Shrimp Leads, US & China Top Markets

Overview The Ministry of Commerce & Industry reported that India’s seafood exports reached an all‑time high of ₹73,890.46 crore (≈ USD 8.46 billion) in FY 2025‑26 . The surge was driven mainly by frozen shrimp, while the United States and China remained the largest buyers. Key Developments Frozen shrimp generated ₹49,037.93 crore , accounting for 66.5 % of export earnings. Export volume of frozen shrimp rose to 7,92,647 MT , a 13.16 % increase in rupee terms. The United States imported 2,56,128 MT of frozen shrimp, followed by China with 1,69,505 MT . Frozen fish contributed ₹5,658.37 crore , dried seafood ₹5,079.09 crore , and frozen squid ₹4,493.80 crore . Exports of chilled products earned ₹622.31 crore , while live‑product exports grew 11.46 % in dollar value. Important Facts Total seafood export volume: 19,72,018 MT . Top five destination markets by value: US (₹20,263.27 crore), China (USD 1,611.32 million), European Union (USD 1,592.09 million), Southeast Asia (USD 1,348.97 million), Japan (USD 452.91 million). EU, Southeast Asia and Middle East together accounted for over 30 % of export value. Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Kochi were the three busiest export ports. UPSC Relevance These figures illustrate the importance of marine exports to India’s trade balance, a topic covered under GS 3 – Economy . Understanding the role of bodies such as the MPEDA helps answer questions on export promotion mechanisms. The shift in market share between the US and China also ties into geopolitics and bilateral trade relations, relevant for GS 2 – International Relations . Way Forward Policy makers should focus on diversifying markets beyond the US and China to reduce concentration risk. Enhancing cold‑chain infrastructure at ports like Visakhapatnam can sustain growth. Continued support to small‑scale fishers and investment in sustainable aquaculture will ensure long‑term export resilience.