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Despite concerns over US tariffs, India’s marine exports grew 17 per cent in the first half of the current fiscal, reaching $3,974 million compared with $3,385 million in the same period last year. In September alone, shipments rose 23.4 per cent to $781.02 million, against $632.70 million a year ago, according to quick estimates released by the Commerce Ministry. Shaji Baby John, Chairman and Managing Director of Kings Infra, told businessline that the increase in exports across markets was mainly due to Christmas and New Year demand, despite a dip in the first two months of the fiscal. He credited the growth to the joint efforts of the Commerce Ministry, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and the industry in expanding markets to offset the decline in US-bound shipments following the Trump-era tariffs. Exports to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are on the rise, with shrimp gaining popularity as health-conscious consumers seek high-protein options. Farmers, he added, are now focusing on medium-sized shrimp preferred in non-US markets, rather than the larger grades that mainly go to the US — India’s largest seafood buyer. Push for Diversification and Value Addition At an industry meet held alongside the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4) at ICAR–CMFRI, Ram Mohan, Director, MPEDA, said that while exports to the US fell nearly 6 per cent during April–September 2025, shipments to China, Vietnam, and Thailand saw sharp growth — signaling a shift in trade dynamics toward Asian markets. Speakers at the meet called for urgent market diversification, greater value addition, and technology-driven innovation to sustain growth. George Ninan, Director of ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), said a robust startup ecosystem is needed in the fisheries sector to integrate researchers, technologists, and industry players for innovation and value creation. Industry leaders stressed that India must move beyond bulk raw seafood exports and exploit the vast potential in value-added products such as breaded squid rings, surimi, and ready-to-eat seafood fillets. India’s current value-added seafood exports stand at $742 million, far behind competitors like China, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia. They also recommended setting up exclusive aquaculture zones and fast-tracking FTAs to regain competitiveness. CMFRI Director Grinson George said a roadmap is being prepared to address trade bottlenecks, promote value addition, and build resilience against global market and sustainability challenges. Published on November 5, 2025
