India has achieved a major milestone by becoming the fourth largest exporter of marine products globally, cementing its place among top seafood-exporting nations like China, Norway, and Vietnam.
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India’s marine exports surged significantly in 2024-25, driven by strong international demand, enhanced cold-chain infrastructure, and increased aquaculture production.
Key Highlights of India’s Marine Export Growth
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Export Value: Marine products export value crossed $8 billion in FY 2024-25.
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Top Exported Items: Frozen shrimp, frozen fish, cuttlefish, and squid dominated the charts.
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Major Markets: The United States, China, Japan, and the European Union remain the largest buyers.
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States Leading the Surge: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala continue to be the top contributors to India’s seafood exports.
Why India’s Marine Exports Are Growing Rapidly
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Booming Aquaculture: India has seen tremendous growth in shrimp farming and inland fisheries.
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Government Support: Incentives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have boosted production and export capacity.
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Improved Quality Standards: Adoption of global food safety standards has enhanced India’s seafood credibility in premium markets.
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Technological Advancements: Innovations in cold-chain logistics and real-time tracking systems have reduced spoilage and improved export quality.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the growth, India faces challenges such as:
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Climate-related risks
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Overfishing in some coastal zones
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Need for sustainable practices and certification compliance
The focus now must shift to sustainability, value-added products, and diversifying export markets.
FAQ – India’s Marine Products Export Industry
Q1: What is India’s rank in global marine products export as of 2025?
A1: India is the 4th largest marine products exporter in the world as of 2025.
Q2: What are the most exported marine products from India?
A2: The top marine exports include frozen shrimp, frozen fish, cuttlefish, and squid.
Q3: Which countries import the most seafood from India?
A3: The United States, China, Japan, and the EU are the largest importers of Indian seafood.
Q4: What government initiatives have supported marine exports?
A4: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and MPEDA's export promotion programs have significantly boosted marine exports.
Q5: What are the main challenges in India’s seafood export industry?
A5: Key challenges include climate change, overfishing, certification requirements, and maintaining global quality standards.
Conclusion
India’s rise to the 4th spot in global marine product exports is a reflection of its thriving aquaculture sector, improved infrastructure, and expanding global footprint. As the country continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices, it is poised to climb even higher in the seafood export rankings.
Updated: May 18, 2025 By : Abhishek Rana