Team siliconindia

• US tariffs hit Indian seafood exports, pushing shift to Asian markets
• Industry urges value-added products and tech innovations
• Calls for FTAs, exclusive aquaculture zones to boost trade

India’s seafood sector is gearing up for a major transformation as rising US tariffs prompt exporters to explore new markets and focus on high-value products. At a recent industry meet held alongside the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4) at ICAR-CMFRI in Kochi, experts stressed the urgent need for diversification and innovation to safeguard the country’s seafood trade.

Dr. Ram Mohan, director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), revealed that seafood exports to the US, India's biggest market, dropped nearly 6% between April and September 2025. Meanwhile, exports to China, Vietnam, and Thailand rose significantly, signaling a shift toward Asian markets.

With the effective US tariff now standing at 58.26% due to anti-dumping and countervailing duties, India’s global competitiveness has taken a hit. “Our seafood trade must evolve beyond raw exports,” said Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, urging the development of a robust fisheries startup ecosystem focused on technology and value addition.

Also Read: Australia Sends First Nations Mining Mission to India

Industry leaders highlighted the need to produce higher-value products such as breaded squid rings, surimi, and ready-to-eat seafood fillets. Currently, India’s value-added seafood exports total $742 million, far behind global competitors like China and Vietnam.

The meet also emphasized fast-tracking Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and establishing exclusive aquaculture zones to revive growth. Stakeholders from across the seafood supply chain participated, with insights to be integrated into a strategic roadmap under MECOS.