August 6, 2004

Indian Seafood Exports Fall In U.S. And Japan

India's seafood exports to the US declined by 13.86 per cent in quantity and about 18 per cent in value during 2003-04. The US is the biggest market for Indian seafood.

Exports to Japan, the second major market, also showed a decline of 8.92 per cent in quantity and 24.18 per cent in value.

Figures released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) shows that India exported about 412,017 tonnes of seafood valued at Rs 60.99 billion (US$7.39 billion) during 2003-04. This is a decline of 11.83 per cent in quantity and 11.47 per cent in value terms. During 2002-03, about 467,247 tonnes of seafood were exported, valued at Rs 68.83 billion.

Against a target of US$1,376 million for 2003-04, exports achieved US$1,330.76 million.

MPEDA Chairman, G Mohan Kumar, said that Indian export to US was severely hit, as exporters were "cautious" following the debate over the proposed duty. The shipments to US were affected as the uncertainty prevailed, he said.

Shrimp exports to US and Japan, India's two major importers also declined.

Total shrimp exported during 2003-04 was 129,768 tonnes, valued at Rs 40.13 billion against 134,815 tonnes valued at Rs 46.08 billion the previous year, Kumar said.