India's seafood exports hit record $8.28b; Chinese growth offsets US decline

India's seafood exports reached a historic high of $8.28 billion in the 2025–26 financial year, driven by record volumes of 19.32 lakh tonnes. However, according to the latest provisional data released by the Indian commerce ministry yesterday (21 April), shipments to the United States--traditionally India's largest market-- fell sharply amid the ongoing tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.

The US retained its position as the top destination with imports totalling $2.32 billion, but the figures masked a significant downturn.

Shipments to the US declined by 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value, a trend officials attributed primarily to the impact of the reciprocal tariffs.

This decline was largely offset by robust growth in alternative markets, most notably China.

As India's second-largest seafood market, exports to China saw a rise by 22.7% in value and 20.1% in volume. Other regions also posted strong gains; the European Union saw a 37.9% increase in value, while Southeast Asia recorded a 36.1% expansion in value.

Frozen shrimp continued to be the cornerstone of the export basket, contributing $5.51 billion and accounting for over two-thirds of total earnings. The sector saw a 4.6% growth in volume and a 6.35% rise in value, reinforcing its dominance despite global trade headwinds.

While most markets flourished, West Asia saw a marginal decline of 0.55% in value, impacted by conflict in the region during the final months of the financial year.

Conversely, exports to Japan grew by 6.55%.

On the product front, frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, and live products maintained positive momentum.

However, the ministry noted a decline in the export of chilled products.