India’s seafood sector has emerged as a strong pillar of the country’s agri-export economy, recording remarkable growth despite mounting global trade challenges. According to the government, seafood exports touched an all-time high of ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024–25, registering a 3.11 per cent increase over ₹60,523.89 crore in the previous fiscal year. The upward momentum has continued into FY26, underscoring the sector’s resilience even in the face of steep tariff barriers imposed by the United States.
One of the most notable achievements has been the sharp rise in fish production, which reached 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25, more than doubling from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14—a growth of over 106 per cent in just over a decade. This expansion reflects structural improvements across fisheries, aquaculture, infrastructure, and market access.
Resilience Amid Rising US Tariffs
Since April 2025, Indian seafood exports to the US—particularly shrimp—have faced significant pressure following a phased tariff hike that pushed cumulative duties to 58.26 per cent. Shrimp alone accounts for nearly 90 per cent of India’s seafood exports to the US, making the move a major external shock for exporters.
However, official data reveal that the sector adapted swiftly by diversifying markets, enhancing value addition, and strengthening supply chains. A comparison of April–October 2024 (pre-tariff) and April–October 2025 (post-tariff) periods shows continued growth. Overall seafood exports increased by 21 per cent in value, rising from ₹35,107.6 crore to ₹42,322.3 crore, while export volumes grew by 12 per cent, from 9.62 lakh metric tonnes to 10.73 lakh metric tonnes.
Frozen shrimp exports also posted healthy gains, with a 17 per cent rise in value and a 6 per cent increase in volume, highlighting the sector’s ability to withstand global trade disruptions.
Policy Push Fuels Sectoral Growth
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying attributes these gains to consistent policy support and targeted government interventions over the past decade. Since 2014–15, various schemes implemented by the Department of Fisheries have generated 74.66 lakh employment opportunities, both direct and indirect, significantly boosting rural livelihoods.
India currently exports more than 350 seafood products to over 130 countries, with aquaculture contributing nearly 62 per cent of total export value. This positions India as an emerging global hub for high-value and processed seafood products, catering to evolving international consumer preferences.
Value Addition and Investment Momentum
A key driver of sustainable growth has been the sharp increase in value-added seafood exports, which now account for nearly 11 per cent of India’s export basket. Over the past five years, the value of these exports has surged by 56 per cent, rising from ₹4,863.40 crore to ₹7,589.93 crore.
Complementing this trend is a substantial rise in public investment. Cumulative investments worth ₹38,572 crore have been approved or announced under flagship initiatives such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). These programs focus on modernising infrastructure, improving cold-chain logistics, promoting sustainable aquaculture, and enhancing export competitiveness.
Boosting Business and Coastal Economies
For businesses, the sector’s growth translates into expanded export opportunities, stronger global positioning, and higher margins through value-added processing. For fishers and aquaculture farmers, it means improved incomes, better access to infrastructure, skill development, and enhanced market linkages.
As India navigates global trade uncertainties, the seafood sector stands out as a compelling example of how policy-driven growth, investment-led expansion, and market diversification can transform challenges into opportunities—strengthening both the national economy and coastal livelihoods.