Kochi, Aug 23: India’s seafood exports reached a remarkable 16,98,170 metric tonnes valued at Rs 62,408.45 crore ($7.45 billion) during the financial year 2024–25, according to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). This marks a significant achievement for the sector, buoyed by strong global demand, particularly for shrimp.
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India’s seafood basket, accounting for 43.67% of total volume and nearly 70% of dollar earnings. It brought in Rs 43,334.25 crore ($5.17 billion), recording an 8.3% growth in rupee terms and 6.06% in dollar terms over the previous year. Key shrimp varieties like Vannamei, Black Tiger, and Scampi posted gains in both quantity and value.
The United States retained its position as India’s top seafood buyer, importing 3,11,948 MT of frozen shrimp, with total imports worth $2.71 billion, of which shrimp made up 92.55%. China emerged as the largest importer by quantity, taking in 3,96,424 MT of various products valued at $1.27 billion. The European Union was the third largest market with imports worth $1.12 billion, followed by South East Asia ($975 million), Japan ($412 million), and the Middle East ($278 million).
Apart from shrimp, other major contributors included frozen fish at Rs 5,212.12 crore ($622.6 million) and frozen squid at Rs 3,078.01 crore ($367.68 million). Frozen cuttlefish exports increased by 9.11% in volume and 3.99% in dollar value, generating $285.57 million. Dried seafood accounted for 2,52,948 MT and earned Rs 2,852.60 crore ($340.75 million). Chilled items brought in Rs 659.41 crore ($78.79 million), while live seafood, which saw a 15.21% growth, added $56.01 million.
Vizag and JNPT were the leading ports managing the bulk of seafood exports.
India’s seafood industry, driven by strategic diversification and rising demand from key markets, continues to be a vital foreign exchange earner, with a strong outlook for future growth. (IANS)
