India’s shrimp export volumes moved into positive territory in 2026, with shipments during the first seven months of the calendar year rising 1% year-on-year to 455,489 tonnes. July exports reached a record 81,674 tonnes, up 8.2% compared with the same month last year.
The latest figures, cited in a report by InCred Research, indicate that India’s shrimp export momentum strengthened significantly during June and July after a relatively softer start to the year.
The July shipment volume also exceeded the previously anticipated 80,000-tonne mark, providing a stronger indication of improving export activity.
Export trajectory improves
India’s shrimp exports had recorded a marginal decline during the first half of the year. However, the stronger performance in July pushed cumulative shipments for the first seven months into positive year-on-year growth.
The monthly trend has also improved progressively. After a slower beginning to 2026, export volumes gained momentum through June and July, suggesting that India’s shrimp supply cycle is expanding rather than weakening.
InCred Research said its outlook for Indian shrimp exports remains positive, with the sector potentially heading towards record export volumes and value during calendar year 2026.
US, UK and EU markets remain important
The United States remains a critical factor in India’s export outlook. According to InCred Research, a potential normalization in the US market could provide an additional source of growth for Indian shrimp exporters.
At the same time, India is strengthening its position in the United Kingdom and European Union, helping exporters reduce their dependence on individual markets.
The combination of stronger European demand and a possible recovery in the US market could influence India’s overall export performance during the remainder of 2026.
India diversifies beyond traditional shrimp trade
India’s shrimp export industry is also undergoing a broader shift in product and market strategy.
KN Raghavan, Secretary General of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, said the sector’s positive growth demonstrates the underlying strength and resilience of Indian shrimp exports.
According to Raghavan, exporters are increasingly moving away from the traditional approach of “one species, one product, one market” towards a more diversified model involving multiple species, products and destinations.
This shift is reflected in the growing export focus on black tiger shrimp, which has established demand in East and Southeast Asian markets.
Indian exporters are also increasing their emphasis on value-added seafood products while expanding their presence in the EU, UK, Russia, Vietnam and China.
Black tiger shrimp gains attention
The renewed focus on black tiger shrimp is particularly significant as international buyers increasingly seek product diversity and market-specific offerings.
While vannamei remains the dominant species in India’s shrimp export industry, expanding black tiger production and exports could give Indian exporters greater flexibility in serving Asian markets where the species has strong consumer and trade acceptance.
The broader diversification strategy could also help exporters manage fluctuations in individual markets and reduce exposure to changes in demand or trade conditions in any single destination.
What the July figures indicate
The July export performance provides a stronger indication of India’s shrimp export trajectory than the first-half figures alone.
With cumulative exports now back in positive year-on-year territory, attention is shifting towards whether India can maintain or further increase its monthly shipment rate during the remaining months of 2026.
For the Indian shrimp industry, continued market diversification, growth in value-added products and stronger penetration of European and Asian markets are likely to remain important components of the export strategy.
