Indian state reports record jump in seafood exports

Seafood exports from Kerala, a south-western Indian state, have crossed the two-billion-dollar mark this year at INR 9921.46 crore (US$2.1 billion), aggregating to 663,603 tonnes.

Compared to the previous year, seafood recorded a growth across the board. Frozen shrimp was the top earner, accounting for 41.74% of the export gains, according to Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

Fish has retained its position as the principal export item by volume and the second largest export item by value. It accounted for about 38.37% in quantity and 20.09% in US dollar earnings.

Cuttlefish recorded a growth of 23.66% in quantity, 19.84% in rupee value and 14.80% in dollar terms. Export of squid showed a marginal increase in quantity but there is a fall in rupee and US dollar realisation. Export of live lobster, live crab and Baigai showed an increase in exports.

EU continued to be the major export market with a share of 30.07% in US dollar realisation. China maintained the second place with a share of 17.73%, followed by South-east Asia 14.61%, Japan 12.96%, USA 10.02%, Middle East 5.57% and other countries 9.05%.

Exports to countries like Libya, Reunion Islands, Australia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Tanzania, Ukraine and Brazil registered a positive growth.