Despite being hit by the US’ tariff, India’ marine products exports increased by over 16% to $ 5.75 billion in April – November, 2025-26 on year because of a surge in shipment across several new markets, according to official data released on Monday.
In November, 2025, India exported marine products valued at $ 0.87 billion, an increase of 15% compared to a year ago.
Official sources earlier stated that the exports of marine products declined to $ 1.06 billion, a decline of over 7% during April- October of FY26 to the United States, the country’s biggest export destination because of high tariffs. This loss in shipment was ‘more than compensated’ by a rise in shipment to China, Vietnam, Belgium, Japan, Russia, Canada and the United Kingdom, sources said.
Non-US markets emerge as a new engine for growth
“Non-US markets emerge as the new growth engine,” according to an official note.
However seafood exporters told FE that an earlier commitment of exports to the US is still being executed, especially keeping into consideration the rise in the demand during Christmas despite duties. However , after January 15, 2026 the order pipeline from the US is completely empty which may hit the country’s marine exports.
India’s seafood exports, mostly frozen shrimp, were $ 7.45 billion in FY25, with the United States having a share of 35% ($ 2.8 billion).
The bulk of the country’s seafood exports to the US is ‘Vannamei Shrimp’. Ecuador had a 19% in the USA’s annual seafood import of $ 6 billion.
The tariff by the US had put Indian seafood at a major disadvantage compared to competitors like Ecuador (15%), Vietnam (20%), and Thailand (19%) tariff.
According to an official note, rise in exports of maring products in the current fiscal reflect both a diversification in export destinations and a structural shift in global sourcing trends, as buyers in Asia and Europe increasingly turn toward Indian suppliers for consistent quality and competitive pricing. It stated the rising market expansion opportunity for the country’s marine exports potential.
Earlier trade officials had feared that the seafood exports would hit as effective duties imposed by the US have been increased to 59.71% which includes countervailing (5.76%) and anti-dumping duties (3.96%) along with a 50% tariff announced for India by President Donald Trump.
“Despite global price pressures, recessionary trends in the US, and volatile logistics conditions, India’s marine sector demonstrated strong resilience”, an official said.
EU boosts India’s seafood export prospects
To boost India’s seafood exports prospects, the European Union (EU) has approved 102 additional fishery units for shipments, the Marine Products Export Development Authority.
Earlier trade officials had feared that the seafood exports would hit as effective duties imposed by the US have been increased to 59.71% which includes countervailing (5.76%) and anti-dumping duties (3.96%) along with a 50% tariff announced for India by President Donald Trump.
“Despite global price pressures, recessionary trends in the US, and volatile logistics conditions, India’s marine sector demonstrated strong resilience”, an official said.
To boost India’s seafood exports prospects, the European Union (EU) recently has approved 102 additional fishery units for shipments, the Marine Products Export Development Authority.
The EU is the third-largest seafood export destination for India after China, accounting for 15.10% of India’s total exports. The seafood exports to the EU in FY25 were valued at $ 1.12 billion, and key export items included frozen shrimp, cuttlefish, and squid.