India Seafood Exports 2026 Market Overview & Trends

India's seafood exports peaked in 2022 at $7.7 billion before declining to $6.8 billion in 2024. While the total value has decreased recently, export quantities remain significantly higher than 2020 levels. This suggests a shift in global market pricing or a change in the high-value product mix being shipped from the region over the last five years.

The United States remains the premier destination for Indian seafood, accounting for $2.55 billion in 2024. China represents the second-largest market at $1.12 billion. These two nations dominate the trade landscape, while Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand maintain significant secondary positions, highlighting India's strong footprint across both North American and Asian markets.

Belgium is the fastest-growing emerging market with a 9.8% growth rate, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 5.3%. While the USA and Japan show steady but slower growth, Italy experienced a marginal decline. This highlights a strategic opportunity for exporters to diversify further into European and Middle Eastern markets.

Frozen shrimps and prawns (HS 030613) are the cornerstone of the industry, generating $4.31 billion in 2024. Prepared crustaceans and frozen molluscs also contribute significantly, each surpassing $600 million in value. The data confirms a heavy reliance on high-value shellfish, which continues to drive the majority of India's seafood export revenue.