India-UK Trade Agreement to Boost Seafood Exports

Significant Opportunities for India's Seafood Sector

Kochi, Oct 18: The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is set to open up substantial avenues for the seafood export industry, as stated by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

During a recent two-day session with exporters, MPEDA chairman D.V. Swamy encouraged participants to implement strategies that emphasize value addition and workforce enhancement to maximize the benefits of the agreement.

Signed in July, the CETA allows zero-duty access for 99% of tariff lines, significantly boosting the competitiveness of Indian seafood products in the UK market.

Products like Vannamei shrimp, frozen squid, lobsters, frozen pomfret, and black tiger shrimp are anticipated to gain from this duty-free access.

The discussions served as a platform for industry players to delve into the agreement's implications.

Presentations by Anil Kumar P., Joint Director of MPEDA, detailed the key aspects of CETA, while Alex Paul Menon, Development Commissioner of the MPEZ-SEZ, discussed the potential for developing a Marine Aquapark SEZ in Tamil Nadu.

Industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Commerce, Export Inspection Agency (EIA), and the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), along with over 90 exporters from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, exchanged insights on market prospects and operational tactics.

In the fiscal year 2024–25, India exported marine products worth $7.45 billion, with shrimp, fish, and cuttlefish making up the majority of exports.

Exports to the UK totaled 16,082 MT, valued at $104.43 million, primarily driven by the demand for frozen shrimp, which constituted 77% of total shipments to the UK, followed by frozen fish at 8%.

Experts in the industry predict that the India-UK CETA could potentially double the volume of Indian seafood exports to the UK in the near future.

This agreement is expected to spur economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation while promoting sustainable practices within the sector.

Swamy highlighted that seizing this opportunity will necessitate collaborative efforts to improve product quality, enhance processing capabilities, and train skilled labor to meet the increasing global demand.

He further noted that with strategic investments and proactive adjustments, Indian seafood exporters can not only expand their market presence in the UK but also position India as a competitive, high-value supplier in the global seafood market.