India’s shrimp export industry continued to grow modestly in early 2026, even as exports to the United States weakened significantly. The latest export data shows that Indian exporters are increasingly redirecting shrimp products toward alternative markets such as China, the European Union, Vietnam, and Japan.

In February 2026, India exported 50,528 MT of shrimp, up 4% year-over-year. Combined exports for January and February reached 101,093 MT, also up 4% compared to the same period last year.

However, export value did not follow the same trend. February export value fell 3% year-over-year to $339 million, while year-to-date export value declined 2% to $686 million.

This suggests that while India is maintaining export volume through market diversification, the industry is facing increasing pressure on pricing and product value.

US Demand Continues to Weaken

The United States remains the biggest challenge for Indian shrimp exporters.

In February 2026, exports to the US fell to 13,226 MT, down 40% year-over-year, following a 36% decline in January. Combined shipments to the US for the first two months of 2026 totaled 27,114 MT, down 38% compared to last year.

The continued slowdown reflects the ongoing impact of tariffs and broader uncertainty surrounding the US shrimp market.

Historically, the US has been one of India’s most important destinations for processed and value-added shrimp products. As demand weakens, exporters are being forced to redirect products into other international markets.
 

China and the EU Are Absorbing More Volume

China has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Indian shrimp.

In February, exports to China reached 11,093 MT, up 117% year-over-year. Year-to-date exports nearly doubled to 20,109 MT (+94% YoY).

The European Union also continued to increase imports from India. February exports to the EU reached 8,630 MT (+13% YoY), while year-to-date exports climbed 31% to 19,729 MT.

Vietnam is also emerging as an important destination. February exports increased 55% year-over-year to 4,342 MT, suggesting continued regional demand for raw shrimp used in processing and re-export activities.

Japan showed steady growth as well, with February exports rising 40% year-over-year. Together, these markets are helping offset the weakness in the United States.

The Product Mix Is Changing

The shift in export markets is also changing the type of shrimp products India is exporting.

Raw L. vannamei shrimp continues to drive most of the growth. February exports reached 38,466 MT, up 7% year-over-year. These products are generally easier to redirect across multiple international markets because they require less processing and simpler market-specific packaging.

In contrast, value-added shrimp products are contracting sharply. February exports of value-added products fell 29% year-over-year, while year-to-date exports declined 23%.

This reflects an important market shift. Many of the countries currently increasing imports from India, particularly China and Vietnam, primarily demand raw shrimp rather than processed products.

As a result, India is maintaining export volume, but the industry may face increasing pressure on margins and value generation if this trend continues.

A Period of Market Adjustment

Current data suggests that India’s shrimp industry is not collapsing, but adapting. Exporters are shifting volumes into alternative markets to compensate for weaker demand from the United States.

At the same time, the data shows that maintaining export volume alone may not be enough in the long term. As global shrimp trade becomes more competitive and fragmented, factors such as product mix, processing capability, and market flexibility are becoming increasingly important.

For producers and exporters, the ability to quickly adjust products and market strategies may become just as important as production scale itself.

References & Sources

• Source: Adapted and analyzed from Shrimp Insights newsletter (2026)
• India shrimp export data, February 2026