India’s seafood exports to EU are set for a nearly 20% rise after the bloc cleared 102 additional processing units, raising the total to 604. The move comes as US tariff hikes squeeze shrimp exports, pushing India to diversify markets with Europe emerging as a critical growth avenue.
In a significant boost to India’s seafood sector, the European Union has approved 102 more marine product units, enabling them to export to its market. The approval is expected to lift exports by almost 20%, providing relief at a time when steep US tariffs have hit shrimp shipments.
The EU remains India’s second-largest seafood export market after the United States. The clearance comes as India navigates global trade headwinds, with higher US duties creating hurdles for shrimp exports. Officials noted that this long-awaited decision will help offset some of those challenges.
The graph highlights India’s seafood exports to the EU over 2020–2025, which grew at a five-year CAGR of 6.5%. Exports rose steadily to peak in 2023, dipped in 2024, and then partially recovered in 2025. This pattern reflects shifting trade dynamics, with the recent EU clearance expected to support a stronger recovery ahead.
Shifting export dynamics amid US tariffs
India’s seafood industry has been heavily reliant on shrimp, which brought in US$ 4.88 billion in 2024-25, accounting for 66% of export earnings. Traditionally, the US has been India’s largest destination, followed by the EU, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
However, Washington’s decision to impose higher tariffs on Indian products from August 7, 2025, has disrupted this trade relationship. The US initially levied a 25% tariff on most Indian goods, with a provision to raise it further to 50%. For seafood, the increase has been particularly severe, marking one of the steepest hikes across export categories.
Previously, Indian seafood faced a combined duty burden of 18.33% in the US. This included a 2.56% anti-dumping duty (ADD), a 5.77% countervailing duty (CVD), and a 10% reciprocal tariff imposed in April 2025. Under the revised structure, the ADD has risen to 3.96%, the CVD remains unchanged, and the reciprocal tariff has surged to 25%. This steep escalation has significantly dented India’s competitiveness in the American market, making diversification toward other regions an urgent priority.
India’s seafood basket
India’s export basket is anchored by frozen shrimp and frozen fish, which form the backbone of earnings. Other significant items include fish and shrimp meal, frozen squid, surimi and surimi analogue products, frozen cuttlefish, chilled items, frozen octopus, fish oil, live seafood, dried edible products, frozen lobster, and fish maw. Additionally, a wide range of products such as crab, agar, snail, baigai, clams, seafood mix, pickles, breaded items, and other processed varieties reflect the sector’s growing focus on both raw and value-added segments.
While shrimp retains its flagship status, rising global demand for value-added products, surimi, squid, and cuttlefish offers exporters the chance to diversify. The government’s push for value addition and enhanced packaging could further strengthen India’s position in these segments.
Government push for diversification in seafood exports
Recognizing the risks of overdependence on the US, the central government has stepped in to guide exporters toward alternative markets. On August 11, 2025, it urged seafood exporters to expand their reach to destinations such as the EU, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Russia, Australia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. This directive is also seen as a strategic bargaining tool in ongoing India-US trade negotiations.
The government has encouraged exporters to focus on three key areas:
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Market diversification to reduce reliance on a single destination.
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Value addition to increase revenue through processed and high-end seafood products.
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Upgraded packaging standards to meet stringent international requirements.
Exporters have also been asked to utilize the Fishery Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) to modernize processing facilities, expand value-added production, and enhance packaging capabilities. In addition, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has been directed to collaborate with exporters in major producing states — Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat — to explore new markets and promote high-demand fish varieties abroad.
Key export destinations
While the US continues to dominate as the largest export destination, the EU remains crucial, particularly in the wake of tariff challenges in America. Other Asian countries, including China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, also account for a significant share of India’s seafood trade.
In FY 2024-25, the US was the leading market for India’s fisheries exports under HS Code 03, followed by China and Japan. Vietnam and Thailand stood fourth and fifth, while among European nations, Belgium, Spain, and Italy featured prominently in the top 10. The UAE also ranked high, underscoring West Asia’s role as a key regional market. The EU’s latest clearance of 102 additional units will particularly benefit exporters targeting Belgium, Spain, and Italy — three important European markets for Indian seafood.
Way forward
The EU’s approval of additional seafood units represents both a relief and an opportunity for Indian exporters at a time of turbulence in global trade. With the US market becoming more restrictive, Europe’s expanded access offers a viable pathway for sustaining growth.
However, the path forward will require exporters to adapt quickly. Meeting the EU’s stringent quality and packaging standards, investing in value-added products, and tapping into newer markets will be critical for maintaining momentum.
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FAQs
Q1. Why is the EU approval of 102 seafood units important for India?
It allows more Indian processing plants to export directly to Europe, helping offset losses from US tariff hikes.
Q2. How will the new EU clearance impact shrimp exports?
It gives shrimp exporters alternative markets in Europe, especially Belgium, Spain, and Italy, reducing dependence on the US.
Q3. What challenges does India face in seafood exports to the EU?
Meeting strict EU quality, packaging, and sustainability standards will be the key challenge for exporters.
Q4. How much of India’s seafood exports are dependent on shrimp?
Shrimp accounts for around 66% of India’s seafood export earnings, making it the backbone of marine trade.
Q5. Which countries are emerging as alternative markets for Indian seafood?
Beyond the EU, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the UK, and West Asia are gaining importance as diversification destinations.
