India’s seafood industry has received a major boost after the European Union cleared 102 additional processing units to export marine products to its member states.
The decision, announced by the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday, expands the number of Indian establishments approved for shipment to the EU to 604.
Moreover, officials say the move is expected to lift India’s seafood exports to Europe by nearly 20 per cent, offering some relief to exporters facing headwinds in the United States, which recently imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on shrimp imports.
Shrimp Exports Get Lift
The European Union ranks as India’s No 2 seafood destination, coming after the United States.
For 2023–24, marine product sales from India to the EU touched $1.1 billion. With the fresh approvals, exporters anticipate wider access to Europe’s highly quality-conscious consumers.
“This has been a long-standing request from our side,” a senior ministry official told reporters.
The EU’s clearance demonstrates its confidence in India’s ability to meet rigorous food safety and hygiene standards.
Shrimp remains the backbone of India’s seafood trade, earning $4.88 billion in 2024-25. That’s nearly two-thirds of total exports.
The EU’s approval is now expected to fuel demand for other aquaculture products. This includes fish, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Industry experts say the expansion will aid exporters across India’s coastal states.
From Gujarat and Maharashtra to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, many will benefit.
“This approval is not just about higher volumes. It’s about opening up new categories of exports and giving Indian seafood a stronger foothold in the global value chain,” said an industry executive.
According to the government, the approval underscores India’s ongoing push to match its marine exports with worldwide benchmarks.
Regulators acknowledged that meeting the EU’s strict norms on product traceability, safety, and inspection has been both a persistent challenge and a catalyst for reform.
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