Industry leaders highlighted the untapped potential in producing higher-value products

Indian Seafood Industry Pivots to Value Addition Amid Crippling US Tariffs

INDIA
Friday, November 07, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Diversification to Asian Markets and Technology-Driven Innovation Urged as US Duties Hit Nearly 60%

India's seafood export sector is undergoing a major transformation as soaring US tariffs force industry leaders to rapidly shift focus toward market diversification and high-value products. This urgent call to action was the main subject of an Industry Meet held alongside the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4) at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi.

The industry's global competitiveness has been severely dented by the recent tariff hikes, which have pushed the effective duties on Indian seafood exports to the US to as high as 59.71%, including 3.96% anti-dumping duties and 5.76% countervailing duties (one source cited the effective tariff at 58.26%). The US remains India's biggest market, accounting for roughly one-third of total seafood exports, which were valued at Rs 62,408.45 crore ($7.45 billion) in 2024–25.

Shift in Trade Dynamics

Dr. Ram Mohan, Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), confirmed the impact, noting that seafood exports to the US dropped nearly 6% between April and September 2025. Simultaneously, shipments to China, Vietnam, and Thailand recorded significant growth, signaling a crucial shift toward Asian markets.

Stakeholders unanimously stressed the need to move beyond raw commodity trade. Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), urged the development of a robust, technology-driven fisheries startup ecosystem to accelerate value addition. "Our seafood trade must evolve beyond raw exports," he emphasized.

Focus on High-Value Products

Industry leaders highlighted the untapped potential in producing higher-value products such as breaded squid rings, surimi-based items, and ready-to-eat seafood fillets. India’s current value-added seafood exports total $742 million, which significantly trails major global competitors, including China and Vietnam.

4th Global Marine Symposium MECOS 4 gets underway at CMFRI

To revive growth and regain global competitiveness, the meeting called for two key governmental actions: fast-tracking Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and establishing exclusive aquaculture zones. Insights from this comprehensive stakeholder meeting are set to be integrated into a strategic policy roadmap under the MECOS deliberations.

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• Indian Shrimp's Dual Challenge: Exports Hit by US Tariffs While Striving for Sustainability Certification

• Russian Demand Rescues India's Shrimp Sector from US Tariff Shock

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