India’s seafood export sector is experiencing robust growth, with exports increasing by 17.81% in April 2025 to reach $0.58 billion, despite global uncertainties in trade. This growth reinforces India’s standing as the fourth-largest global producer of marine products and reflects its resilience in the face of external economic pressures.
The financial year 2024–25 saw a record-breaking export volume of 16.85 lakh metric tonnes of seafood. The total value reached $7.2 billion, significantly up from $5.4 billion a decade ago in FY15 — an impressive growth of over 60%. This strong momentum has carried into FY 2025–26, even as concerns about possible tariff increases from the United States — India’s biggest seafood buyer — continue to loom. However, ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade pact between India and the US are expected to provide much-needed stability.
India’s marine products now reach 130 countries, up from 105 in 2014–15. Frozen shrimp remains the largest contributor, accounting for over 40% of total volume and more than 66% of export value.
This upward trend is being actively supported by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a central initiative that boosts every stage of the fisheries sector — from disease control and advanced aquaculture to cold storage, transport infrastructure, and modern fishing harbours.
Looking ahead, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Department of Fisheries are spearheading a bold goal: achieving $18 billion in seafood exports by 2030, as outlined in the Vision Document – 2030. With government backing, improved technology, and market diversification, India’s marine exports are well-positioned to scale new heights.
