India closes seafood trade gap with Vietnam, Singapore in UK market
New trade pact eliminates tariffs, expected to boost shrimp and seafood exports
INDIA – India is entering direct competition with Vietnam and Singapore in the UK seafood market following the signing of a new trade agreement that removes previous tariff restrictions.
The Indian Ministry of Fisheries announced that the agreement puts Indian seafood exports on equal footing with those from Vietnam and Singapore, which already benefit from preferential trade deals with the UK.
Until now, Indian exporters faced higher tariffs on marine products, making it harder to compete in high-value categories such as shrimp and processed seafood.
The removal of these tariffs is expected to allow Indian firms to take advantage of the country’s production capacity, workforce, and improved tracking systems for seafood exports.
This shift is seen as a chance for exporters to ease their reliance on traditional markets like the United States and China and instead grow their presence in the UK.
According to government estimates, the deal could result in a 70 percent rise in India’s seafood exports to the UK over the next few years.
Accessing a new market
Industry stakeholders say the UK’s US$5.4 billion (approx.) seafood market has been difficult for India to penetrate due to the earlier cost disadvantage.
India’s current share of the UK seafood import market stands at only 2.25 percent, despite the country exporting 1.78 million tonnes of seafood globally in the 2024–25 period.
The value of India’s marine exports for that year reached US$6.97 billion, with exports to the UK amounting to just US$101 million.
In recent years, India’s seafood industry has focused on strengthening quality control and product traceability, with the goal of meeting strict international standards.
The timing of the agreement coincides with broader global shifts, as supply chains adjust and countries diversify their sources for food imports.
Industry observers believe these changes create a window of opportunity for Indian exporters to expand in markets where they previously struggled.
Officials say the deal supports India’s longer-term efforts to grow its footprint in the global seafood sector while aligning with international sustainability goals.
The ministry concluded that with improved access, Indian companies are in a better position to respond to UK demand and increase their market share.
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