Mangaluru: Karnataka’s seafood exports surged 56.1% to ₹5,371.85 crore in 2025-26, helping the State improve its position among India’s seafood-exporting States from sixth to fifth, according to data recently tabled in the Lok Sabha.
Karnataka records strong export growth
Karnataka’s seafood export value increased substantially from ₹3,440.57 crore in 2024-25 to ₹5,371.85 crore in 2025-26. The growth rate was significantly higher than the national increase of 18.4% during the same period.
The State also recorded a significant rise in export volumes. Seafood exports increased from 2,42,143 tonnes in 2024-25 to 3,37,239 tonnes in 2025-26, marking a 39.3% increase.
The sharp recovery comes after Karnataka recorded a decline in seafood exports during 2024-25. The latest figures indicate that both export volumes and earnings rebounded strongly during the 2025-26 financial year.
Karnataka moves to fifth place
The increase in export value helped Karnataka move from sixth place among India’s seafood-exporting States in 2024-25 to fifth place in 2025-26.
Among the major southern States, Karnataka recorded the highest percentage growth in seafood exports during the year.
Andhra Pradesh continued to lead seafood exports among southern States, with exports worth ₹23,765.11 crore, representing an 11.9% increase. Kerala followed with exports valued at ₹8,466.77 crore, while Tamil Nadu recorded ₹7,660.48 crore.
Telangana, despite being a smaller seafood exporter, recorded exports worth ₹715.02 crore, registering a 16.2% increase.
India records record seafood exports
India’s seafood exports also reached an all-time high in 2025-26. The total export value rose to ₹73,890.46 crore from ₹62,408.45 crore in the previous financial year.
The country’s seafood export volume increased by 16.1%, from 16.98 lakh tonnes to 19.72 lakh tonnes.
The national growth reflects an increase across several major marine-product categories, with frozen shrimp continuing to account for the largest share of India’s seafood export basket.
Frozen shrimp remains key export product
Frozen shrimp exports increased from 7.42 lakh tonnes to 7.93 lakh tonnes during 2025-26. The value of shrimp exports also increased by 13.2%, rising from ₹43,334.25 crore to ₹49,037.93 crore.
Shrimp continues to play a major role in India’s seafood export industry and remains one of the country’s most important marine products in terms of export earnings.
Other seafood categories also recorded growth during the year. Dried marine products registered the highest increase, with export volume rising by more than 62% to 4.10 lakh tonnes.
The export value of dried marine products increased by nearly 78% to ₹5,079.09 crore.
Karnataka’s seafood exports recover strongly
Karnataka’s seafood export performance has changed considerably over the past few years. In 2021-22, the State exported 1,20,427 tonnes of seafood valued at ₹1,962.19 crore.
Exports increased significantly in 2022-23, reaching 3,12,347 tonnes and ₹4,737.23 crore.
In 2023-24, export volume declined slightly to 3,01,183 tonnes, while export value remained almost unchanged at ₹4,785.05 crore. The State then witnessed a significant decline in 2024-25 before making a strong recovery in 2025-26.
The latest figures indicate that the recovery was supported by growth in both the quantity of seafood exported and its overall export value.
Boost for Karnataka’s seafood sector
The rise in exports is significant for Karnataka’s coastal economy, particularly districts and businesses connected with fishing, seafood processing, cold-chain infrastructure and marine-product exports.
Higher export volumes can also support activity across the wider seafood supply chain, from procurement and processing to packaging, transportation and international distribution.
The State’s improvement in the national ranking further strengthens its position in India’s seafood-export sector.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s seafood exports rose 56.1% to ₹5,371.85 crore in 2025-26, while export volume increased 39.3% to 3,37,239 tonnes. The strong recovery helped Karnataka move up to fifth place among India’s seafood-exporting States.