Key Development

The European Union has approved seafood exports from 102 new Indian entities, significantly boosting frozen shrimp and prawn exports to EU markets. Commerce department data shows that exports rose 55% to $448 million during April–October, compared with $290 million in the same period last year. This growth also helps Indian exporters offset the impact of 50% US tariffs, with shrimps among the most affected categories.

Rising Confidence in Food Safety and Quality

Officials say the expansion reflects growing confidence in India’s food safety and quality assurance systems, particularly for aquaculture shrimps and cephalopods. “Listing 102 establishments recognises India’s strengthened regulatory and quality-control mechanisms and offers a strategic opportunity to scale up exports to the EU,” said an official. They added that shrimp and prawn exports are expected to maintain steady growth in the coming months.

Mixed Trends in Overall EU Trade

India’s overall goods exports to the EU fell 4.7% to $37.1 billion during April–September. However, exports rebounded in recent months: after a decline in the first quarter, shipments grew nearly 7% in July and August, and by 0.9% in September, before slipping 14.5% in October.

Source: The Times of India