New Delhi: India’s seafood exporters are set to capture a larger share of the UK market and expand their global footprint, thanks to the recently signed India-UK trade agreement, the government announced on Saturday.
Backed by India’s robust production capabilities, skilled workforce, and enhanced traceability systems, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) presents a major opportunity for Indian exporters to move beyond traditional markets like the US and China.
Signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, CETA marks a milestone for India’s fisheries sector. The agreement not only offers duty-free access to the UK’s premium market but also aims to uplift coastal communities, boost industry revenues, and strengthen India’s image as a trusted source of high-quality, sustainable seafood.
“For fisherfolk, processors, and exporters, this is a unique opportunity to enter the global spotlight,” the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said in a statement. “This agreement supports India’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable marine trade.”
The agreement places Indian seafood exporters on equal footing with competitors from countries like Vietnam and Singapore, which already benefit from their own trade agreements with the UK. By eliminating tariff disadvantages—especially for high-value products such as shrimp and other processed seafood—CETA levels the playing field for Indian exporters.
The agreement grants zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines and also opens up key services sectors. For the marine industry in particular, it eliminates import tariffs on a wide range of seafood products, giving Indian exports a competitive edge in the UK.
The move is expected to significantly boost exports of frozen shrimp, frozen fish, and value-added seafood products—helping India expand in one of its most important seafood markets. These benefits are also expected to extend to other labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery.
In 2024–25, India exported 1.78 million metric tonnes of seafood worth $7.38 billion (₹60,523 crore). Frozen shrimp remained the top export item, accounting for 66% of total revenue with $4.88 billion.
Marine exports to the UK alone stood at $104 million (₹879 crore), of which frozen shrimp contributed $80 million—approximately 77% of the total.
India’s key seafood exports to the UK include Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), frozen squid, lobsters, frozen pomfret, and black tiger shrimp—all of which are expected to further benefit from the duty-free provisions under CETA.
With inputs from IANS