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India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high in fiscal year 2025-26, supported by strong international demand and rising shipments of frozen shrimp, with Visakhapatnam Port emerging as the country’s leading export gateway for marine products.
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 19.72 lakh tonnes of seafood during the fiscal year, generating ₹73,890 crore ($8.46 billion). Export volumes increased by 16.13 per cent year-on-year, while export earnings rose 18.4 per cent in rupee terms and 13.44 per cent in dollar value.
Visakhapatnam Port handled the largest share of the country’s seafood exports, processing 3.28 lakh tonnes of cargo valued at ₹20,217 crore. The port accounted for approximately 27.4 per cent of India’s total seafood export earnings, highlighting its growing role in the country's cold-chain and export logistics network.
The port’s performance has been supported by Andhra Pradesh’s extensive aquaculture industry, particularly the production of vannamei shrimp, one of India’s most important seafood export products. The proximity of processing facilities, aquaculture farms and export infrastructure has strengthened Visakhapatnam’s position as a key gateway for marine exports.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port ranked second, handling more than 3.1 lakh tonnes of seafood exports worth ₹8,717 crore. Kochi Port secured third place with over 1.79 lakh tonnes valued at ₹7,285 crore, followed by Kolkata Port with 1.07 lakh tonnes worth ₹5,913 crore. Chennai Port handled 1.10 lakh tonnes of seafood exports valued at ₹5,411 crore, while other ports collectively processed 9.2 lakh tonnes worth ₹26,344 crore.
Frozen shrimp remained the dominant export commodity, contributing ₹49,038 crore ($5.62 billion) and accounting for more than two-thirds of India’s seafood export earnings. The country exported 7.93 lakh tonnes of frozen shrimp during the fiscal year, with the segment recording growth in both volume and value.
The United States retained its position as the largest importer of Indian frozen shrimp, purchasing 2.56 lakh tonnes. China followed with imports of 1.70 lakh tonnes, while the European Union imported 1.36 lakh tonnes. Other major markets included Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East.
From a supply chain perspective, the record export performance underscores the increasing importance of integrated cold-chain infrastructure, reefer container availability and efficient port operations in supporting India's seafood trade. As demand from major global markets continues to grow, logistics efficiency will remain a critical factor in maintaining the competitiveness of Indian marine exports.
Industry officials also reported growth in exports of vannamei and Black Tiger shrimp, reinforcing the importance of aquaculture-driven supply chains in sustaining the sector’s expansion and export earnings.
Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high in fiscal year 2025-26, supported by strong international demand and rising shipments of frozen shrimp, with Visakhapatnam Port emerging as the country’s leading export gateway for marine products. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 19.72 lakh tonnes of seafood during the fiscal year, generating ₹73,890 crore ($8.46 billion). Export volumes increased by 16.13 per cent year-on-year, while export earnings rose 18.4 per cent in rupee terms and 13.44 per cent in dollar value. Visakhapatnam Port handled the largest share of the country’s seafood exports, processing 3.28 lakh tonnes of cargo valued at ₹20,217 crore. The port accounted for approximately 27.4 per cent of India’s total seafood export earnings, highlighting its growing role in the country's cold-chain and export logistics network. The port’s performance has been supported by Andhra Pradesh’s extensive aquaculture industry, particularly the production of vannamei shrimp, one of India’s most important seafood export products. The proximity of processing facilities, aquaculture farms and export infrastructure has strengthened Visakhapatnam’s position as a key gateway for marine exports. Jawaharlal Nehru Port ranked second, handling more than 3.1 lakh tonnes of seafood exports worth ₹8,717 crore. Kochi Port secured third place with over 1.79 lakh tonnes valued at ₹7,285 crore, followed by Kolkata Port with 1.07 lakh tonnes worth ₹5,913 crore. Chennai Port handled 1.10 lakh tonnes of seafood exports valued at ₹5,411 crore, while other ports collectively processed 9.2 lakh tonnes worth ₹26,344 crore. Frozen shrimp remained the dominant export commodity, contributing ₹49,038 crore ($5.62 billion) and accounting for more than two-thirds of India’s seafood export earnings. The country exported 7.93 lakh tonnes of frozen shrimp during the fiscal year, with the segment recording growth in both volume and value. The United States retained its position as the largest importer of Indian frozen shrimp, purchasing 2.56 lakh tonnes. China followed with imports of 1.70 lakh tonnes, while the European Union imported 1.36 lakh tonnes. Other major markets included Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. From a supply chain perspective, the record export performance underscores the increasing importance of integrated cold-chain infrastructure, reefer container availability and efficient port operations in supporting India's seafood trade. As demand from major global markets continues to grow, logistics efficiency will remain a critical factor in maintaining the competitiveness of Indian marine exports. Industry officials also reported growth in exports of vannamei and Black Tiger shrimp, reinforcing the importance of aquaculture-driven supply chains in sustaining the sector’s expansion and export earnings. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
UPS is investing nearly $50 million to expand its logistics capabilities for automotive and industrial manufacturers, signalling a deeper shift toward higher-value business-to-business freight services as global supply chains become increasingly time-sensitive and complex. The investment includes an expansion of the company’s North American Air Freight (NAAF) network, with new time-definite heavy air cargo services connecting Mexico, the United States and Canada. Beginning in August, shippers will have access to one-day, two-day and three-day freight options designed to move production-critical components across North America with tighter delivery windows and improved shipment visibility. The move comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to maintain lean inventories while managing supply chain disruptions, shifting trade flows and evolving production strategies. Automotive companies in particular are increasingly reliant on expedited transportation networks to prevent assembly-line interruptions caused by delayed parts shipments. UPS said the expanded service will also strengthen cross-border freight operations with Mexico, one of North America’s most important manufacturing hubs. The company is adding ground transportation capacity alongside its air freight expansion to support integrated cargo movement throughout the region. By combining transportation, customs brokerage and warehousing services within a single network, UPS aims to reduce operational handoffs that can create delays in international supply chains. The investment reflects a broader strategic realignment within the parcel and logistics sector, where carriers are increasingly prioritising industrial, healthcare and specialised freight customers over lower-margin residential e-commerce deliveries. UPS has been actively reshaping its business mix as it reduces dependence on high-volume consumer shipments and seeks stronger revenue growth from sectors requiring premium logistics services. Company executives said the initiative includes the creation of a dedicated team of more than 300 specialists focused on automotive and industrial supply chains. The group is expected to work directly with manufacturers on freight planning, network optimisation and operational resilience strategies. Beyond transportation expansion, UPS is also increasing investments in visibility and automation technologies across its logistics network. The company has been deploying RFID-enabled tracking systems and automated freight handling capabilities aimed at improving shipment accuracy, reducing manual processing and strengthening real-time cargo monitoring. Industry analysts view the investment as part of a wider trend among logistics providers seeking to capture greater share of manufacturing-related freight. As nearshoring activity continues to drive production growth in Mexico and cross-border trade volumes rise, demand for integrated transportation solutions has become a critical competitive factor for both manufacturers and logistics operators. The automotive sector remains particularly dependent on reliable freight networks because production schedules often rely on just-in-time inventory models. Even minor transportation disruptions can trigger costly shutdowns across assembly operations, making speed, predictability and cargo visibility increasingly important service differentiators. UPS’s latest investment underscores how major logistics companies are repositioning their networks around industrial supply chains, where demand for specialised transportation, cross-border coordination and end-to-end visibility continues to grow. As manufacturers diversify sourcing strategies and expand regional production footprints, logistics providers are expected to face increasing pressure to offer integrated freight solutions capable of supporting more complex supply chain networks. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Oman is increasingly being viewed as a strategic alternative trade gateway for India as prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz disrupts shipping and supply chains across West Asia. A growing shift in trade planning is expected once the India-Oman free trade agreement comes into force on June 1, with exporters looking to reroute cargo away from high-risk maritime corridors. Trade analysts estimate Oman could absorb nearly $1.2 billion worth of Indian exports that currently move through Gulf economies heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes at a time when Indian businesses are reassessing logistics routes amid rising freight costs, insurance premiums, and vessel delays linked to tensions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and LNG movement. India is particularly exposed, with a large portion of its crude and gas imports transiting through the corridor. Recent disruptions have already forced Indian authorities and refiners to explore alternative sourcing and transport strategies. Industrial and engineering goods are expected to see some of the strongest rerouting potential through Oman. Product categories such as electrical transformers, insulated conductors, industrial machinery, and marine equipment already have an established market presence in the country, making Oman a viable redistribution hub for Indian exporters targeting the wider Gulf region. Consumer-focused sectors could also benefit from the shift. Indian exports of cosmetics, textiles, footwear materials, ceramic products, and processed food already have a meaningful share in Oman’s import market. In several categories, Oman accounts for a substantial portion of India’s regional trade, strengthening its role as both a consumption centre and a transit point for West Asian markets. The broader concern for exporters and logistics firms is not only physical disruption in the Strait but also the cascading impact on shipping operations. Industry observers note that even limited interruptions can create weeks of congestion due to vessel backlogs, rerouting delays, and insurance-related restrictions. Freight operators have also warned of elevated war-risk premiums and tightening shipping capacity across Gulf trade lanes. India’s growing commercial presence in Oman may also intensify competition for exporters from countries such as Pakistan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Analysts tracking bilateral trade flows say Indian manufacturers are increasingly positioned to capture market share in categories ranging from agricultural products to industrial components. With uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz expected to persist, Oman’s geographic position outside the narrow Gulf chokepoint is becoming strategically important for Indian trade planners, exporters, and shipping companies seeking more resilient regional supply chain routes. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
