Seafood Exports To EU increase By 20 Pc: MPEDA

Visakhapatnam: Seafood exports to the European Union have increased by 20 percent and exporters are expanding their markets to offset the impact of higher US tariffs on exports from India.

EU-bound exports reached 215,080 metric tonnes worth Rs 9,430 crore (US$ 1,125.6 million), led by shrimp, squid and squid in frozen form. Significantly, the EU has listed 102 new Indian fishing businesses for export from this country to European member states.

“Following the 50 per cent increase in tariffs by the US, we have asked exporters to further explore markets like Russia, EU, Middle East and South Korea and strengthen the local seafood market,” said chairman of seafood export promotion authority DV Swamy.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle here on Friday, he said it is working to improve export logistics through initiatives such as improving cold chain infrastructure, offering financial incentives for reefer containers and air cargo, and promoting quality and standards to ensure market access.

“We are also signing Free Trade Agreements with many countries, which will significantly increase seafood exports from India by removing tariffs and opening new market opportunities,” he said.

Swamy said the authority has also advised exporters to organize buyer-seller meetings and participate in international fairs to develop new markets.

Apart from exploring new markets, exporters were also told to create a strong domestic market to reduce dependence on exports. This includes consumer awareness campaigns and improvement of the local supply chain, Swamy said.

The President said MPEDA is working with stakeholders to improve cold chain infrastructure and enhance export strategies, in addition to promoting direct flights to recipient markets. The government provides financial incentives to exporters, including subsidies for the use of reefer containers and air cargo.

According to MPEDA data, the US and China remain India’s largest seafood markets; America ranks first in frozen shrimp imports with 311,948 tons, followed by China with 136,164 tons.

In 2024-25, India exported 1,698,170 tonnes of seafood worth Rs 62,408.45 crore ($7.45 billion).

Frozen shrimp continued to dominate exports, accounting for 44 percent of quantity and value, followed by frozen fish (20 percent), frozen squid, frozen cuttlefish and chilled and live products.