India’s Seafood Exports Experience Robust Growth; Reaches $0.58 Billion In April 2025

India’s seafood exports have seen a strong growth of 17.81% in April 2025, reaching $0.58 billion.

This growth highlights India’s continuing position as the fourth-largest producer of marine products in the global market, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In the financial year ending March 31, 2025, India further exported 16.85 lakh metric tonnes of marine products, marking an impressive 60% increase compared to the previous year.

In terms of value, the country’s seafood exports grew from $5.4 billion in FY 2024 to $7.2 billion in FY 2025.

This growth further underpins India’s increasing role in the global seafood trade.

Growth Momentum Continues Amid US Tariff Concerns

Despite concerns over potential tariff hikes announced by the United States, which remains India’s largest market for seafood exports, experts expect the positive momentum to continue into 2025-26.

Both India and the US are close to concluding a bilateral trade agreement aimed at increasing trade flows between the two nations.

Expanded Global Reach And Major Export Products

India now exports seafood to 130 countries, up from 105 in 2014-15, reflecting the expanding global footprint of its marine products.

Frozen shrimp remains the largest exported marine product, accounting for over 40% of total quantity and 66.12% of total export value.

The US and China are the largest markets for Indian frozen shrimp.

Government Schemes Drive Export Competitiveness

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a government initiative aimed at enhancing the fisheries value chain, largely drives India’s competitive edge in seafood exports.

This scheme supports a variety of interventions, including quality fish production, the expansion and intensification of brackish water aquaculture, and the promotion of export-oriented species.

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Additionally, the PMMSY scheme includes investments in modern infrastructure such as cold chains, post-harvest facilities, fishing harbours, and fish landing centres, which have significantly boosted India’s seafood production and export capacity.

A senior government official highlighted that these measures have been crucial in strengthening the sector.

Vision 2030: Ambitious Export Targets Set

Looking ahead, the government has further set an ambitious target to achieve a seafood export turnover of $18 billion (Rs 1.57 lakh crore) by 2030.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), an agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, developed this target as part of the Vision Document 2030 for India’s seafood exports.

Government Investment In Fisheries Sector

The Department of Fisheries is implementing the PMMSY scheme with a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore over five years, from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

This investment spans all states and union territories and has played a significant role in the recent surge in seafood exports.

India’s seafood export sector is on a strong growth trajectory, supported by strategic government initiatives, increasing global demand, and continued investment in infrastructure and technology.

With ambitious targets set for the coming years, India is well-positioned to expand its footprint in the global seafood market and increase its export turnover.