Kochi, August 23: India shipped 16,98,170 MT of seafood worth ₹ 62,408.45 crore (US$ 7.45 billion) during 2024-25. Frozen shrimp remained the major exported item in terms of quantity and value both while USA and China turned out to be the major importers of India’s seafood.

During a press meet addressed by Shri D V Swamy IAS, Chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), he  said India managed to do exports worth US$ 7.45 billion with volume of 16,98,170 MT of seafood. MPEDA Director Dr. Ram Mohan MK and MPEDA Joint Director (Training ) Dr  S. Kandan also addressed the media.

Frozen shrimp, which earned ₹ 43,334.25 crore (US$ 5,177.01 million), retained its position as the most significant item in the basket of seafood exports, accounting for a share of 43.67% in quantity and 69.46% of the total dollar earnings. Shrimp exports during the period increased by 8.30 % in ₹ value and 6.06% in value US$.

The overall export of frozen shrimps during 2024-25 was pegged at 7,41,529 MT. USA, the largest market, imported (3,11,948 MT) of frozen shrimp, followed by China (1,36,164 MT), European Union (99,310 MT), South East Asia (58,003 MT), Japan (38,917 MT), Middle East (32,784 MT) and Other countries all together (64,403 MT). The export of Vannamei, Black Tiger and Scampi had shown an increase by volume and value both.

Frozen Fish, the second largest exported item, fetched ₹ 5,212.12 Cr. (US$ 622.60 million).Frozen squid the third largest exported item, earned ₹ 3078.01 Cr. (US$ 367.68 million) has shown a positive export trend of 0.54% in terms of ₹ value.

Export of Dried Items, pegged at 2,52,948 MT and earned ₹ 2852.60 crore (US$ 340.75 millions).Frozen Cuttlefish has shown a growth in terms of volume and value US$, by 9.11% and 3.99% respectively. The exports were 59,264 MT worth US$ 285.57 million.Export of chilled items fetched ₹ 659.41 crore (US$ 78.79 million).Export of live Items, shown growth of 15.21% in value US$ terms (US$ 56.01 million).

As for overseas markets, USA continued to be the major importer of Indian seafood in value terms with an import worth US$ 2,714.94 million, with volume handled 3,46,868 MT. Exports to US increased by 6.50% in US$, 8.76% in rupee value and 5.37% in volume. Within USA's seafood import basket by India, Frozen shrimp continued to be the principal item with share of 92.55% in US$ terms.

China emerged as the largest seafood export destination from India in terms of Quantity of 3,96,424 MT worth US$ 1,276.58 million.European Union continued to be the third largest destination by US$ terms, with an import of 2,15,080 MT worth US$ 1,125.60 million.

South East Asia is the fourth largest market by US$ terms with an import of 3,47,541 MT worth US$ 974.99 million.Japan continued to be the fifth largest importer by US$ terms with an import of 1,02,933 MT worth US$ 411.55 million.The Middle East is the sixth largest destination by US$ terms with an import of 65,956 MT worth US$ 278.31 million.