Marine Exports Jump 16% as China & Vietnam Offset Decline in US Shipments

The surge comes even as exports to the United States—long India’s biggest shrimp buyer—tumble under the weight of a 50% tariff on Indian marine products, disrupting traditional trade flows.

US Market Declines, But India Rides New Wave of Buyers

Exports to the US fell by 7.43%, dropping to USD 85.47 million. But the slowdown was not only absorbed—it was overwhelmingly outpaced—by booming demand in China, Vietnam, Russia, Canada, and the UK.

A senior official described the shift as nothing short of structural:

“The shortfall in the US was more than compensated by a spectacular rise in shipments to China, Vietnam, Belgium, Japan, Russia, Canada, and the UK,”
the official said, calling it a fundamental realignment of global seafood sourcing patterns.

Asia Leads the Charge: China & Vietnam Fuel Explosive Growth

India’s flagship segment—shrimp and prawn—was the star performer, with exports to key Asian markets skyrocketing:

• China: up 24.54% to USD 568.32 million
• Vietnam: up a massive 123.63% to USD 261.67 million

This dramatic rise reflects India’s growing position as a preferred supplier for Asian processors and distributors seeking consistent quality and competitive pricing.

Europe & Eurasia Add Momentum

Strong growth wasn’t limited to Asia. Several European and Eurasian markets also posted impressive numbers:

• Belgium: +94.18%
• Japan: +10.84%
• Russia: +49%
• Canada: +13.54%
• United Kingdom: +28.81%

These gains underline a broad diversification strategy, as buyers hedge against traditional sourcing markets and opt for India’s robust aquaculture supply chain.

Shrimp & Prawn: The Backbone of India’s Marine Export Story

India’s shrimp and prawn sector—its marine export powerhouse—recorded a 17.43% jump, rising from USD 2.64 billion to USD 3.10 billion in the seven-month period.

With global demand for protein-rich seafood rising and India’s aquaculture farms scaling up production, the segment remains the anchor of export growth.

A Structural Shift in Global Seafood Trade

Officials and analysts say the latest data signals more than just a temporary rerouting of shipments—it marks a structural shift:

• Asian and European buyers are increasingly turning to India
• India’s competitive pricing and quality consistency are winning markets
• Non-US regions are becoming long-term anchors for marine export stability

This diversification is also cushioning India from geopolitical pressures and tariff fluctuations in any single market.