India’s Seafood Exports Surge 14% on Robust US Demand and Market Diversification
India’s marine product export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, recording a 14.3 percent year-on-year increase between April and August. According to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the country’s seafood shipments reached a total value of USD 3.65 billion during this five-month period. The momentum was particularly strong in August alone, which saw a 27 percent surge in exports, valued at approximately USD 760 million.
The US Market Remains a Pillar of Strength
Despite fluctuating trade policies and tariff adjustments, the United States continues to serve as the primary destination for Indian seafood. The sector’s stability in the American market is a notable achievement, especially considering the regulatory hurdles faced by exporters over the past year.
Last year, Indian seafood exporters contended with an effective tariff of 59.71 percent. While this figure has since been negotiated down to 18 percent, the financial burden remains a point of focus. P. Jawahar, Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), noted that the cost of these duties is currently being shared equally between Indian exporters and U.S. importers. With consumer demand in the U.S. projected to climb as the festive season approaches in October, officials remain optimistic that export volumes will maintain their current trajectory.
Further bolstering this relationship, India and the U.S. are reportedly on the cusp of finalizing a comprehensive trade agreement. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently indicated that the deal is nearing its conclusion, a move that is expected to provide much-needed policy certainty for Indian exporters.
Strategic Expansion into European Markets
While the U.S. remains the top export market, India is actively pursuing a strategy of geographic diversification to mitigate risk and capture new demand. A significant development in this effort came last month when the European Union granted approval to 21 additional Indian fishery establishments. This expansion brings the total number of EU-approved facilities in India to 625.
These new approvals, which span across key coastal states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Maharashtra, are expected to significantly boost the export of aquaculture shrimp and cephalopods. The EU currently stands as India’s third-largest seafood market, trailing only the United States and China, and accounts for over 15 percent of total outbound shipments. Countries such as Belgium, Spain, and Italy remain the primary gateways for Indian produce within the bloc.
The strengthening of ties with Europe is further supported by a landmark free trade agreement signed earlier this year, which effectively eliminated duties on seafood and several other commodity categories. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the deal as a historic partnership that creates a free trade zone of 2 billion people, signaling a move toward deeper, rules-based cooperation.
A Record-Breaking Outlook
The latest figures build upon a strong foundation established in the previous fiscal year, during which India recorded a historic USD 8.43 billion in marine product exports—a 14 percent increase over the prior term. Government officials attribute this sustained growth to a multi-pronged approach that includes expanding production capabilities and fostering robust trade relationships across Southeast Asia, China, and Europe. By diversifying its reach and securing favorable trade terms, India’s seafood industry appears well-positioned to maintain its status as a global leader in marine exports.
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