Export volumes also increased by 12%, reaching 10.73 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting sustained overseas demand and improved export capacity.
The fisheries sector remains a major contributor to agricultural exports, coastal livelihoods, and foreign exchange earnings, making its stability a policy priority.
India’s seafood exports recorded strong growth during the first seven months of the current financial year despite continuing concerns over tariff measures imposed by the United States. The Government of India informed the Rajya Sabha that marine product exports rose by 21 percent in value to ₹42,322 crore (USD 4.87 billion) during April–October 2025, compared to ₹35,107.6 crore (USD 4.20 billion) in the same period last year. Export volumes also increased by 12 percent, reaching 10.73 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting sustained overseas demand and improved export capacity.
The data was presented at a time when questions were raised in Parliament about the possible impact of U.S. tariffs on India’s seafood industry and the preparedness of exporters to handle trade disruptions. In its response, the government said it is closely monitoring the situation and has adopted a multi-layered strategy to protect exporters through trade negotiations, financial support, and export promotion measures.
The information was shared by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajeev Ranjan Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the government’s confidence in the sector’s resilience despite global trade pressures.
Strong Export Data Eases Fears Over US Tariff Impact
Concerns over the impact of U.S. tariff measures on India’s seafood industry continue to remain under close watch, but official data presented in Parliament suggests that the sector has so far demonstrated strong resilience. The Government of India informed the Rajya Sabha that marine product exports recorded significant growth during the first seven months of the current financial year, even as exporters navigate global trade uncertainties. According to figures compiled by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), export performance between April and October 2025 showed a sharp increase in both value and volume compared to the corresponding period last year.
The data assumes importance at a time when tariff actions by major importing countries, particularly the United States, have raised concerns among exporters regarding market access and pricing competitiveness. However, the government maintained that continuous monitoring, stakeholder consultations, and timely policy interventions have helped cushion the sector from adverse shocks. The fisheries sector remains a major contributor to agricultural exports, coastal livelihoods, and foreign exchange earnings, making its stability a policy priority.
Marine Exports Grow 21% in Value, 12% in Volume
India’s marine product exports registered a strong performance during April–October 2025, reflecting growth in both value and physical shipments. As per official data, export value during this period stood at ₹42,322 crore, equivalent to USD 4.87 billion, marking a 21 percent increase over ₹35,107.6 crore (USD 4.20 billion) recorded in the same period of the previous financial year. Export volumes also increased by 12 percent, rising from 9.62 lakh metric tonnes to 10.73 lakh metric tonnes.
This growth has been attributed to sustained demand in multiple overseas markets, improved compliance with international quality standards, and gradual diversification beyond traditional export destinations. While the United States continues to be an important market for Indian seafood, exporters have expanded their footprint in the European Union, Russia, the Middle East, and select Asian countries. The government noted that exporters have also benefited from better infrastructure, cold chain development, and improved logistics support.
The export data indicates that, despite tariff-related uncertainties, India’s seafood industry has maintained its growth trajectory during the current financial year.
India Marine Export Performance (Apr–Oct)
| Particulars | 2024 | 2025 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Value (₹ crore) | 35,107.6 | 42,322 | +21% |
| Export Value (USD bn) | 4.20 | 4.87 | +16% |
| Export Volume (Lakh MT) | 9.62 | 10.73 | +12% |
Government Engages US, Offers Financial and Policy Support
The Government informed Parliament that it remains actively engaged with all stakeholders to assess and address the evolving impact of U.S. tariff measures on Indian seafood exports. A key element of this strategy involves intensive engagement with the U.S. Government towards a mutually beneficial India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement, aimed at resolving trade-related concerns and ensuring stable market access for Indian exporters.
In parallel, immediate relief measures have been introduced through the Reserve Bank of India’s trade-related interventions, along with the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters to ease liquidity pressures. The government is also working on next-generation Goods and Services Tax reforms to strengthen domestic demand and improve overall competitiveness.
Export promotion efforts have been reinforced through the newly launched Export Promotion Mission, which provides targeted assistance to exporters facing market disruptions. Additionally, the government is negotiating new Free Trade Agreements and improving utilisation of existing FTAs to open alternative markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of destinations.
Key Policy Measures Highlighted in Rajya Sabha
| Area | Government Action |
|---|---|
| Trade Talks | India–US Bilateral Trade engagement |
| Financial Relief | RBI measures, Export Credit Guarantee |
| Domestic Reforms | GST improvements |
| Export Promotion | Export Promotion Mission, FTAs |
EU and Russia Market Access Expanded for Indian Seafood
As part of its market diversification strategy, the Government has stepped up efforts to enhance India’s access to regulated international markets. The Rajya Sabha was informed that the number of Indian fishery establishments approved for export to the European Union and Russia has increased in recent months. These approvals are critical, given the stringent quality, hygiene, and traceability requirements in these markets.
Officials highlighted that continuous coordination with importing countries has helped Indian units meet regulatory expectations and improve compliance standards. Improved market access to the EU and Russia provides exporters with greater flexibility and helps offset risks arising from tariff-related developments in other regions.
The government is also working to strengthen utilisation of existing trade agreements and enhance trade facilitation processes. These steps are expected to help exporters tap high-value markets while ensuring adherence to international food safety norms.
Market Access Progress
| Export Market | Recent Development |
|---|---|
| European Union | Increase in approved fishery units |
| Russia | Expanded list of eligible exporters |
| Other Regions | Focus on diversification |
PMMSY Drives Long-Term Growth in Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Government highlighted the role of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in strengthening India’s fisheries and aquaculture ecosystem. Over the last five years, projects with a total outlay of ₹21,274.13 crore have been approved under the scheme, with a central share of ₹9,189.74 crore. These investments have supported infrastructure creation, aquaculture expansion, cold storage facilities, and livelihood development.
As a result of sustained policy initiatives, India’s seafood exports have more than doubled over the past decade, rising from ₹30,213 crore in 2013–14 to ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25. The government emphasised that PMMSY has contributed to improved productivity, enhanced value addition, and better income security for fishers.
The scheme also aligns with broader objectives of sustainability, nutrition security, and rural employment, reinforcing fisheries as a key pillar of the agricultural economy.
PMMSY Investment and Export Growth
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Outlay | ₹21,274.13 crore |
| Central Share | ₹9,189.74 crore |
| Export Growth (2013–14 to 2024–25) | From ₹30,213 crore to ₹62,408 crore |
Value Addition, New Species, and Trade Promotion Push
The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to promote value addition and diversified aquaculture. The Government has organised awareness programmes on the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, conducted stakeholder consultations, exporter meets, and Chintan Shivir sessions focused on value-added seafood products.
Meetings with Embassies and High Commissions of potential partner countries have also been held to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote technology transfer, enhance biosecurity, and support research and development. The government is encouraging diversified aquaculture of high-value species such as seabass, cobia, pompano, mud crab, GIFT tilapia, grouper, scampi, and seaweed.
Trade delegations, technical exposure visits, and Buyer–Seller Meets are being organised to identify new markets and deepen existing trade relationships, ensuring long-term competitiveness of Indian seafood exports.
Focus Areas for Future Expansion
| Segment | Priority |
|---|---|
| Value Addition | Processed seafood products |
| High-Value Species | Seabass, Tilapia, Seaweed |
| Trade Promotion | Buyer–Seller Meets |
| Sustainability | Biosecurity and R&D |
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