How Much Did India's Seafood Exports Rise in April-October?
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Synopsis
India's seafood exports surged by 13.93% in value terms in April-October 2025, reaching $4,793.08 million, highlighting a robust shrimp export market to the U.S. despite a decline in frozen shipments. The government intensifies market diversification efforts to support exporters and shrimp farmers, focusing on international collaborations and reducing GST rates.
Key Takeaways
- Seafood exports increased by 13.93%.
- Total value reached $4,793.08 million.
- Frozen shrimp shipments to the U.S. declined.
- Government supports market diversification.
- SHAPHARI Certification ensures quality.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) India's seafood exports experienced a significant increase of 13.93 percent in value between April and October 2025, totaling $4,793.08 million compared to $4,207.08 million during the same period last year, as reported by the government on Friday. The overall volume and value of shrimp exports from India to the United States have remained strong over the past five years.
However, shipments of frozen shrimp to the United States showed a decline in the same timeframe. To address this, the government has intensified its market-diversification initiatives, including organizing buyer-seller meetings, as stated by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
According to provisional data, frozen shrimp exports to the U.S. dropped to 55,282 tonnes valued at $512.81 million from 83,375 tonnes worth $673.98 million during the August-October 2025 period, compared to the previous year.
The minister also highlighted that the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has actively participated in key international seafood exhibitions throughout Asia and Europe. In 2025, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meetings held in Chennai and New Delhi facilitated over 100 interactions between buyers and exporters.
Furthermore, MPEDA is conducting awareness programs on various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to help exporters seize new opportunities.
The Department of Commerce is fast-tracking negotiations on free trade agreements, including those with the European Union, to resolve market access challenges. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries is collaborating with several APAC countries to enhance quality assurance, biosecurity, cold-chain improvements, and research and development cooperation.
Support initiatives for shrimp farmers encompass capacity-building programs, public awareness campaigns, farm monitoring, and training for aquaculture technicians.
Additionally, MPEDA has initiated the domestication of tiger shrimp in Visakhapatnam to produce Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) tiger shrimp broodstock from Indian strains.
The authority has also rolled out SHAPHARI Certification for farms and hatcheries to ensure that products are antibiotic-free and disease-free, produced following Best Management Practices.
An Advanced Technological Transformation in Aquaculture scheme has been launched to boost shrimp production using bio-secured circular tanks, offering financial assistance covering 50 to 75 percent of capital costs for farmers.
Recently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on more than 20 fisheries and aquaculture-related products, such as farm equipment, feed ingredients, water conditioners, and fishing nets, have been reduced from 12-18 percent to 5 percent to lower costs and enhance competitiveness.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of India's seafood export growth amidst global challenges. The government’s strategic efforts in market diversification and support for shrimp farmers reflect a commitment to enhancing the industry's resilience. It is crucial for stakeholders to remain adaptable and seize new opportunities in an evolving market landscape.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage did India's seafood exports increase?
India's seafood exports increased by 13.93 percent in value terms.
What was the total value of seafood exports?
The total value of seafood exports was $4,793.08 million.
How much did frozen shrimp shipments to the U.S. decline?
Frozen shrimp shipments to the U.S. fell to 55,282 tonnes valued at $512.81 million.
What initiatives has the government undertaken?
The government has intensified market-diversification efforts, including organizing buyer-seller meets.
What is SHAPHARI Certification?
SHAPHARI Certification ensures that products are antibiotic-free and disease-free, produced through Best Management Practices.
