India’s seafood sector is turning tariff shock into momentum. After the US slapped a cumulative 50% tariff on Indian seafood last year—citing trade imbalance, anti-dumping claims, and links to energy purchases from Russia—exports were disrupted and some processing units had to pause. Instead of breaking, the sector diversified markets, boosted domestic demand measures, and restored access to high-value buyers. By FY26, India logged record exports, and the government is now considering a production-linked incentive scheme for deeper value-added growth.
India has secured new opportunities for seafood exports by negotiating market access with the European Union, helping exporters navigate steep US tariff challenges. Officials say the government’s proactive push opens a large, steadier market for Indian producers. The move is expected to support export growth even as global uncertainty continues to disrupt trade flows.
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India’s seafood exports hit an all-time high of Rs 72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, according to provisional MPEDA data. Export volumes also climbed to 19.32 lakh metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp emerged as the key engine behind the jump, contributing the largest share of the export value and driving overall growth.
India’s seafood exports climbed 11.2% to $8.28 billion in 2025–26, helped by rising demand from China, the EU, and Southeast Asia. Frozen shrimp drove earnings, while a drop in US shipments was offset by gains in alternate markets. Export volumes reached 19.32 lakh tonnes, with major ports managing most shipments.
Indian seafood exporters are bracing for up to Rs 1,500 crore in losses as the Iran war fuels sustained disruption in trade flows. Experts warn that longer disruptions could destabilise coastal livelihoods, hit processing and supply chains, and weaken India’s export competitiveness. Stakeholders say shipping uncertainty and contract delays are the immediate pressure points.
India’s seafood exports to the US dropped sharply in FY26, with volume down 19.8% and value down 14.5%, blamed on reciprocal tariffs. Even so, India’s overall seafood exports reached a record $8.28 billion as demand grew in China, the EU, and Southeast Asia, helping offset the US decline.
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