India’s marine products sector delivered its best-ever export performance during FY26, setting a new benchmark for the country’s seafood industry. Despite global economic uncertainties, shifting trade patterns, and supply chain challenges, Indian seafood exports recorded unprecedented growth in both volume and value.
According to industry data, total seafood exports during FY26 reached 19,72,018 metric tonnes, generating export earnings of ₹73,890.46 crore, equivalent to approximately $8.46 billion. The achievement reflects the growing international demand for Indian marine products and the sector’s ability to expand its presence in key global markets.
Frozen Shrimp Remains the Largest Export Contributor
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India’s seafood export basket and remained the primary driver of export earnings during the financial year.
Exports of frozen shrimp generated revenue of ₹49,037.93 crore ($5.62 billion), accounting for approximately 66.5% of India’s total seafood export earnings in dollar terms.
In terms of shipment volume, frozen shrimp exports reached 7,92,647 metric tonnes, representing more than 40% of India’s total marine product exports.
Both major shrimp varieties exported by India witnessed strong growth:
Whiteleg shrimp (L. vannamei)
Black Tiger shrimp
The category recorded double-digit growth in export earnings, demonstrating sustained international demand and strengthening India’s position as one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
United States Continues as Top Export Market
The United States retained its position as the largest export destination for Indian seafood in terms of value.
During FY26, exports to the United States reached:
Volume: 2,79,193 metric tonnes
Value: ₹20,263.27 crore ($2.33 billion)
Frozen shrimp remained the dominant product category in the US market, contributing more than 93% of the total value of Indian seafood exports to the country.
Although shipments to the US witnessed some decline compared to the previous year, the market continued to represent the single largest source of export revenue for Indian seafood producers.
China Emerges as Largest Market by Volume
While the United States led in value terms, China remained India’s largest seafood export destination by shipment volume.
Exports to China reached:
Volume: 4,90,369 metric tonnes
Value: $1.61 billion
China’s strong demand for marine products continues to make it one of the most important markets for Indian exporters, particularly for raw and processed seafood categories.
European Union and Southeast Asia Support Growth
The European Union remained another significant destination for Indian seafood exports.
Imports by EU countries were valued at approximately $1.59 billion during FY26, reflecting the region’s continued demand for high-quality seafood products.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asian markets also played a major role, collectively importing Indian seafood worth nearly $1.35 billion.
The diversification of export destinations has helped India reduce dependence on any single market while expanding its global reach.
Growth Beyond Shrimp Exports
Although shrimp remained the leading export category, several other marine product segments also recorded impressive growth.
Frozen Fish
Frozen fish continued to be the second-largest export category, generating:
Revenue: ₹5,658.37 crore
Export value: $643.7 million
Dried Marine Products
Dried seafood products witnessed one of the strongest growth rates during the year.
The category generated:
Revenue: ₹5,079.09 crore
Export value: $577.44 million
Strong international demand contributed to substantial growth in export earnings from this segment.
Squid and Cuttlefish Exports
Exports of squid and cuttlefish also showed positive momentum.
Frozen squid exports reached:
Volume: 1,02,060 metric tonnes
Revenue: ₹4,493.80 crore
Frozen cuttlefish exports recorded:
Volume: 67,157 metric tonnes
Strong growth in both shipment volumes and export earnings
These categories continue to strengthen India’s position in global cephalopod markets.
Rising Demand for Premium Seafood Products
Premium seafood categories also delivered encouraging results.
Exports of chilled products generated over ₹622 crore, while live seafood exports registered double-digit growth in international earnings.
The growth of value-added seafood categories indicates increasing global demand for premium and specialised marine products from India.
Key Ports Supporting Export Growth
India’s record seafood exports were supported by major maritime infrastructure hubs across the country.
The leading ports handling marine exports during FY26 included:
Visakhapatnam Port
Jawaharlal Nehru Port
Kochi Port
These ports played a critical role in facilitating efficient transportation, cold-chain logistics, and international market access for seafood exporters.
Strengthening India’s Position in Global Seafood Trade
The record performance reflects the growing competitiveness of India’s seafood industry in international markets.
Several factors contributed to the achievement:
Expanding aquaculture production
Improved processing capabilities
Strong demand for Indian shrimp
Market diversification efforts
Enhanced export infrastructure
Growing focus on quality and sustainability
As global consumption of seafood continues to rise, India is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leading supplier of marine products worldwide.
Conclusion
India’s seafood exports achieved a historic milestone in FY26, with earnings reaching ₹73,890.46 crore and export volumes crossing 19.72 lakh metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp remained the cornerstone of export growth, while markets such as the United States, China, and the European Union continued to drive demand. Strong performances across fish, squid, cuttlefish, dried products, and premium seafood categories further underline the resilience and expansion of India’s marine export sector. The record achievement reinforces India’s growing importance in the global seafood trade and highlights the sector’s contribution to the country’s export-led growth strategy.
Summary:
India’s seafood exports reached a historic high in FY26, with marine product shipments touching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes and generating export earnings of ₹73,890.46 crore ($8.46 billion). The strong performance was driven primarily by frozen shrimp exports, which accounted for more than two-thirds of total export revenue. Major markets such as the United States, China, and the European Union continued to support demand, while several other seafood categories also recorded notable growth. The achievement highlights the growing global competitiveness of India’s marine products sector and its increasing contribution to the country’s export economy.
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