July 30, 2025

 

India's seafood exports set to compete with Vietnam, Singapore after UK trade deal 

 

 

 

India is poised to compete with Vietnam and Singapore in the seafood market in United Kingdom, following the signing of a comprehensive trade agreement that eliminates previous tariff disadvantages, according to the Indian fisheries ministry.

 

The deal puts Indian marine products on par with competitors from Vietnam and Singapore, which already benefit from the United Kingdom-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UK-VFTA) and UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UK-SFTA), respectively.

  

According to the ministry, Indian exporters previously faced tariff barriers that put them at a competitive disadvantage, particularly for high-value products, including shrimp and value-added seafood goods.

 

The trade agreement also provides Indian exporters with an opportunity to reduce their dependence on traditional markets, such as the United States and China, by diversifying into the UK market.

 

With the trade deal, the industry estimates a 70% surge in marine exports to the UK in the coming years, the ministry said in a statement.

 

India's seafood sector has invested heavily in improving traceability and quality standards in recent years, positioning the industry to take advantage of the improved market access conditions.

 

The development aligns with India's broader goal of becoming a global leader in sustainable marine trade.

 

Industry analysts said the agreement comes at an opportune time when global supply chains are being restructured and countries are looking to diversify their import sources, the statement added.

 

India's total seafood exports in 2024-25 reached ₹ 60,523 crore (US$6.97 million), amounting to 1.78 million tonnes. Marine exports to the UK were valued at Rs 879 crore. However, India's share in the UK's US$5.4 billion seafood import market is just 2.25 %.

-      Logistics Insider