Visakhapatnam Port has maintained its position as India’s top marine export gateway, processing a record 5.12 lakh metric tonnes of seafood during FY 2025-26 . The port handled over 26% of the nation’s total seafood export volume of 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
The port’s strong performance is credited to the successful rollout of the National Traceability Framework (2025), which has enhanced compliance for premium seafood shipments to key markets, including the European Union and China . Advanced cold-chain infrastructure at the port has also been instrumental in minimising transit losses and maintaining quality standards required by international buyers .
Jawaharlal Nehru Port ranked second on the West Coast with 3.28 lakh metric tonnes, while Kochi Port came third with 1.83 lakh metric tonnes, primarily driven by value-added processed marine products. Kolkata Port handled 1.44 lakh metric tonnes, focusing on premium Black Tiger shrimp exports. The top five ports together accounted for nearly 64% of India’s total seafood export value, which reached a record ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) in FY 2025-26.
Export Market Realignment
FY 2025-26 saw a notable shift in India’s seafood trade patterns. Reciprocal tariffs led to a 14.5% drop in export value to the United States, prompting exporters operating through Visakhapatnam to redirect volumes toward the EU and China, which registered growth of 37.9% and 22.7%, respectively.
Deputy Chairperson Roshni A. Korati stated that the port’s dominance is supported by a robust aquaculture belt and strong cold-chain logistics, positioning it for continued export value growth.
