📈 India’s Seafood Exports Reel in 70% Growth

✅ Total seafood exports for FY 2025–26 hit 19.72 lakh MT, valued at ₹73,890 crore ($8.46B), marking a robust decadal growth of 70%—well above global seafood trade expansion. ✅ Frozen shrimp dominates the basket, contributing ₹49,038 crore or 66% of export earnings. ✅ Key destinations include the US (₹20,263 crore), China (₹14,091 crore), EU (₹13,935 crore), and Southeast Asia (₹11,819 crore). ✅ Leading ports facilitating this surge are Visakhapatnam, JNPT, and Kochi. 🏭 Industry Leaders Driving Growth 🔑 Avanti Feeds: A cornerstone in shrimp feed production, fueling aquaculture expansion. 🔑 Zeal Aqua: Capitalising on rising global demand through shrimp farming and exports. 🔑 Waterbase Ltd: Combining aquaculture feed with strong export capabilities. 🔑 Coastal Corporation: Established frozen shrimp exporter with a global footprint. 🔑 Allanasons & Falcon Marine: Diversified seafood exporters broadening India’s market reach. 🔍 Sector Fundamentals & Outlook 📌 Export value at ₹73,890 crore reflects record forex inflows, signalling strong sector health. 📌 Heavy reliance on shrimp (66%) highlights the need for product diversification. 📌 US tariffs around 55.8% pose challenges, making diversification towards EU, Japan, and China markets critical. 📌 Ambitious $30B export target over next 5 years hinges on value-added products and stronger branding. 📌 Aquaculture output reached 55.39 lakh tonnes, with Andhra Pradesh leading at 66% shrimp share. ⚠️ Key Risks to Monitor 🚦 Tariff barriers in major markets like the US. 🚦 Overdependence on shrimp exports could expose vulnerabilities. 🚦 Environmental and sustainability concerns in aquaculture practices. 🚦 Currency fluctuations impacting export margins. 📊 Growth Catalysts Ahead 🌱 Expansion into value-added seafood segments such as ready-to-cook and branded frozen products. 🌱 Leveraging free trade agreements with the EU, Japan, and Southeast Asia to unlock new market