India seafood exports hit record ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26: Piyush Goyal
Synopsis
India's seafood exports crossed ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26 — an all-time high — even as global trade headwinds persisted. Frozen shrimp alone contributed over two-thirds of earnings, with the US retaining its top-buyer status. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's Visakhapatnam address signals a policy push toward diversification and higher value-added exports.
Key Takeaways
India's seafood exports reached a record ₹73,890 crore ( $8.46 billion ) in 2025-26 , according to MPEDA .
Export volume stood at 19.72 lakh metric tonnes — the highest ever in both volume and value.
Frozen shrimp accounted for 66.5% of total foreign exchange earnings, generating ₹49,038 crore .
The United States was the largest seafood market by value at $2.33 billion , followed by China and the EU .
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the 'National Workshop on Seafood Exports' in Visakhapatnam on 5 June .
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday, 5 June said India's seafood exports have reached an all-time high despite global headwinds, crediting structural reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for the fisheries sector's transformation. Goyal made the remarks while addressing the 'National Workshop on Seafood Exports' in Visakhapatnam, where he interacted with exporters and industry stakeholders.
Record Export Numbers
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood during 2025-26, valued at ₹73,890 crore ($8.46 billion) — the highest ever recorded by the sector in both volume and value. This marks a significant milestone for an industry that has steadily expanded its global footprint over the past decade.
Frozen Shrimp Leads the Basket
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India's seafood export mix, generating ₹49,038 crore ($5.62 billion) and accounting for 66.5 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings from seafood. Export volumes of frozen shrimp rose to 7.93 lakh metric tonnes. The United States remained the single largest buyer by value, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion, followed by China and the European Union.
What the Government Said
Addressing workshop participants, Goyal underscored the sector's potential for value addition, employment generation, and export growth. 'Underscored the vast opportunities in India's fisheries sector for value addition, employment generation, and export growth. Also, reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, expanding market access and ensuring greater prosperity for our fisherfolk,' the minister said.
He added: 'India is exporting a more diverse variety of fish. The PM Modi government is working with the singular mission to help our fisherfolk, farmers, and exporters expand to global markets.'
Goyal's Visit to ICAR-CMFRI Centre
On the sidelines of the workshop, Goyal visited the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute). He planted a tree sapling as part of the #EkPedMaaKeNaam plantation drive and was briefed on the Centre's ongoing fisheries research and its role in supporting sustainable sector growth.
Broader Context and What's Next
The record export figures come amid global trade uncertainties, including demand volatility in key Western markets and competitive pressure from other major seafood exporters. Notably, India's diversification beyond shrimp — reflected in Goyal's emphasis on a 'more diverse variety of fish' — signals a strategic push to reduce over-reliance on a single commodity. With the government targeting expanded market access, industry bodies will be watching whether policy support translates into sustained diversification and higher value-added exports in the coming fiscal year.
Point of View
But the composition tells a more cautious story. Frozen shrimp still accounts for two-thirds of earnings — a concentration risk that has persisted for years despite repeated government pledges to diversify. Goyal's emphasis on a 'more diverse variety of fish' is directionally correct, but the data does not yet reflect a structural shift. The US market's dominance at $2.33 billion also leaves India exposed to American trade policy swings, as recent tariff volatility has demonstrated. Sustaining this record will require more than workshop declarations — it demands verifiable progress on value-added processing and new market penetration beyond the top three buyers.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's seafood export figure for 2025-26?
India exported seafood worth ₹73,890 crore ($8.46 billion) in 2025-26, the highest ever in both volume and value, according to MPEDA. Total export volume stood at 19.72 lakh metric tonnes.
Which seafood product dominates India's exports?
Frozen shrimp dominates India's seafood export basket, contributing 66.5% of total foreign exchange earnings at ₹49,038 crore ($5.62 billion) in 2025-26. Export volumes of frozen shrimp reached 7.93 lakh metric tonnes.
Which country is India's largest seafood market?
The United States is India's largest seafood market by value, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion in 2025-26. China and the European Union are the second and third largest buyers respectively.
What did Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announce at the Visakhapatnam workshop?
Goyal highlighted record seafood export numbers and reiterated the government's commitment to expanding market access and supporting fisherfolk, farmers, and exporters. He also stressed the growing diversity of fish varieties being exported from India.
What is MPEDA and what role does it play in seafood exports?
MPEDA, the Marine Products Export Development Authority, is the nodal agency under the Commerce Ministry that regulates and promotes India's marine products exports. It tracks export data and supports market development for Indian seafood globally.
