India’s H1 marine products exports see rebound in Asian, EU markets

Driven by strong global demand and a sharp rebound in key Asian and European markets, India’s marine product exports have registered a robust 16.18 per cent growth in the April–October 2025 period. Exports rose from $4.20 billion in April–October 2024 to $4.87 billion in April–October 2025, marking one of the strongest mid-year performances in recent years.

Exports expanded by over 20 per cent in May and September, followed by steady double-digit gains in April (17.82 per cent), June (13.33 per cent), July (14.08 per cent) and October (11.08 per cent).

The surge in marine products exports is primarily attributed to the stellar performance of shrimp and prawn, which recorded a 17.43 per cent rise in April–October 2025, increasing from $2.64 billion to $3.10 billion.

Reflecting diversification

The United States—traditionally India’s largest shrimp market—registered a 7.43 per cent decline, with exports falling by $85.47 million. However, this shortfall was more than compensated by a spectacular rise in shipments to China, Vietnam, Belgium, Japan, Russia, Canada and the UK. These gains reflect both diversification in export destinations and a structural shift in global sourcing trends, as buyers in Asia and Europe increasingly turn toward Indian suppliers for consistent quality and competitive pricing.

With demand recovering in major markets and India’s aquaculture output expected to expand further during the peak harvest season, prospects for the remaining months of FY26 remain positive. Exporters anticipate that continued traction in non-US markets, combined with a likely rebound in US demand, will help India maintain its growth trajectory.

K.N. Raghavan, Secretary General, Seafood Exporters Association of India, told businessline that the policy of diversifying from one product and one nation to many products, many markets and many species has gained strong momentum. Traditionally, the US was the main market accounting for almost 40 per cent of seafood export from India with Vanammei being the single largest product. The imposition of high import tariff by the US prompted Indian seafood exporters to look for other markets.

Important factor

He said SEAI would like to place on record its deep appreciation for the role played by the Ministry of Commerce, and by the Commerce Minister himself, for taking keen interest in the welfare of this sector. It was only due to the intervention at the Minister’s level that 102 fishery units were listed for export to the European Union, Raghavan said.

The increase in export to EU by close to 40 per cent has been one important factor behind the increase in exports from this sector. The on-going efforts to engage more closely with Russia and the approval of 20 plus units for exports to this country will provide a further boost to exports. There has been an increase and exports to China, Vietnam, Canada and Japan as well, he added.

Published on November 25, 2025