India's Marine Export Sector
India's 8,100 km coastline and extensive inland waterways support a thriving marine products industry. Aquaculture (shrimp farming) has been the major growth driver, with Vannamei shrimp production transforming coastal Andhra Pradesh into a global shrimp powerhouse.
MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) oversees the sector, ensuring quality, traceability, and compliance with international food safety standards.
Major Export Products
| Product | Details | Share of Exports |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Shrimp | Vannamei, Black Tiger — HOSO, HLSO, PD, PUD, cooked | 60%+ |
| Frozen Fish | Ribbon fish, croaker, tuna, pomfret, surimi | 15% |
| Squid & Cuttlefish | Whole, tubes, rings — wild caught | 8% |
| Crab & Lobster | Live, frozen, and processed | 3% |
| Dried Fish & Fish Meal | Sun-dried, fish meal for animal feed | 5% |
| Others | Clams, mussels, seaweed, fish oil | 9% |
Need Help Sourcing Marine Products from India?
Get a free quote for marine products sourcing. 30+ years experience, 500+ verified suppliers.
- ✓ Verified suppliers
- ✓ Quality guaranteed
- ✓ End-to-end support
Key Coastal Regions
Andhra Pradesh
Shrimp Capital60%+ of India's aquaculture production. Bhimavaram, Nellore, and East Godavari districts are major Vannamei farming zones. 100+ processing plants.
Kerala (Kochi)
Seafood HubIndia's largest seafood processing and export hub. Traditional fishing + modern processing. MPEDA headquarters. Major port for reefer containers.
Gujarat (Veraval)
Wild CatchIndia's largest fishing fleet. Major trawling port. Wild-caught fish, squid, cuttlefish, and ribbon fish for export.
Tamil Nadu
DiversifiedShrimp farming (Nagapattinam), tuna fishing (Tuticorin), and crab exports. Also seaweed and ornamental fish.
West Bengal
FreshwaterMajor producer of freshwater shrimp (Scampi) and Hilsa fish. Processing units in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas.
Quality & Certifications
EIC Registration
Export Inspection Council — mandatory for all Indian seafood exports.
EU Approval
400+ Indian plants have EU approval numbers for direct export to European markets.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points — required by all importing countries.
BAP / ASC
Best Aquaculture Practices / Aquaculture Stewardship Council for sustainable farming.
USFDA Registration
Required for seafood exports to the United States.
MSC Certification
Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable wild-caught fisheries.
How to Source Marine Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What marine products does India export?
India exports frozen shrimp (60%+ of marine exports), frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish, crab, lobster, dried fish, fish meal, and fish oil. Frozen shrimp alone accounts for $5B+ in exports. India is the world's fourth-largest seafood exporter.
What types of shrimp does India produce?
India primarily produces Vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) which accounts for 75%+ of shrimp production, followed by Black Tiger shrimp. Vannamei is farm-raised in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Sizes range from 16/20 to 100/200 count per kg.
Which Indian states lead in marine product exports?
Andhra Pradesh leads shrimp farming (60%+ of India's aquaculture). Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra are major seafood processing and export states. Kochi, Vizag, and Veraval are key seafood processing hubs.
What certifications do Indian seafood exporters hold?
Key certifications: EIC (Export Inspection Council) registration, EU approval number (for EU exports), USFDA registration, HACCP, BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices), ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for wild-caught.
Can Indian seafood be exported to the EU and USA?
Yes, India has 400+ EU-approved seafood processing plants and is a major supplier to both markets. For the US, FDA registration and HACCP compliance are required. Indian shrimp passes through strict antibiotic residue and heavy metal testing.
What is the pricing for Indian shrimp exports?
Vannamei shrimp FOB prices range from $4-$12/kg depending on size, processing (HOSO, HLSO, PD, PUD), and season. Black Tiger commands a premium of 20-30%. Prices fluctuate seasonally and are linked to global market dynamics.
Source Marine Products from India
Connect with EU/USFDA-approved seafood processors for shrimp, fish, and marine products.
Get in TouchRelated Resources
Explore our guides and articles to help you source successfully from India.