Key Highlights

• The global non-edible marine export amounted to 4.76 billion during 2024-2025.

• The HS codes for the most exported non-edible marine products include 1504, 2301, 1212, 3504, and 1603.

• China is the major marine importing destination for India, with imports worth $2.35 billion.

• Peru ranks first in the top marine exporter list with exports worth $1.78 billion.

• Tecnologica De Alimentos SA ranks first in the non-edible marine exporter list.

The underwater world is a blend of beauty and abundance. From vibrant coral reefs to sea animals, the water body in itself is a vast and beautiful world. This beauty is more than just an ecosystem; it contributes to the global trade market.

The marine export industry comprises edible and non-edible marine products. Marine exports contribute substantially to the global trade market. Sustainability concerns across various industries are the key driver for these products. These products are high in demand across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing sectors. The demand from these sectors transforms the marine products into bio-based trade commodities. The demand for marine exports is high across the continents of Asia, South America, Europe, and North America. The trade is strengthened by MPEDA, the government trade body. The combined edible (7.41 billion) and non-edible (4.76 billion) marine exports amounted to 12.17 billion. The edible marine products under the seafood category include live fish (0301), fresh or chilled fish (0302), frozen fish (0303), fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), dried, salted, brined, or smoked fish (0305), crustaceans in various forms, including live, frozen, dried, salted, brined, smoked, flours, and meals (0306), and molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates (0307).

Top 5 Marine Exporting Countries

 

The global marine exporters list consists of countries rich in aquatic resources and well equipped in aquaculture. Peru tops the marine exporters list. It exports $1.77 billion worth. Chile follows with exports worth $712 million. The exports include fishmeal, fish oils, collagen, gelatin, etc.  

India and Vietnam follow in close competition with exports worth $435 million and $420 million, respectively. They operate in exporting algae, seaweed, and collagen, which are majorly imported by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Indonesia deals in non-edible marine exports worth $397 million.

Seafood is also exported in vast quantities among these nations. These nations are the drivers of the non-edible marine export market across the globe. They follow sustainable sourcing practices in the marine trade.

Major Purchase Destinations For Marine Exports

 

Non-edible marine products have varied use across industries like animal feed, aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. These importing destinations drive the global demand for marine products. China tops the marine importer list with imports worth $2.35 billion. The United States imports marine products worth $306.46 million. There is a substantial gap between China, the US, and other importing nations. Vietnam follows with marine imports worth $155.88 million. Japan and Denmark follow in a close competition with imports worth $131.23 million and $124.91 million, respectively. With evolving lifestyles and sustainable product demand, the demand has been increasing for marine products.

Companies Exporting Marine Products

A handful of big companies dominate the marine export market. These companies leverage the trade-friendly policies and have created a prominent international place for themselves. They export across nations, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, etc. Tecnologica De Alimentos SA tops the list with a 23.94% share. 

Pesquera Exalmar S.A.A. and Corporacion Pesquera Inc. follow in close competition with contributions of 15.92% and 15.46%, respectively. Pesquera Diamante SA contributes 11.11%. Next in line is Pesquera Hayduk S.A. with a share of 8.56% of the total global non-edible marine exports. The exporters cater to continents, including Asia, South America, Europe, and North America.  They leverage the support of MPEDA to boost their global marine exports.

Companies Importing Marine Products

A handful of big companies fuel the demand of marine products. China National Township Enterprises Co. Ltd. tops the list with a contribution of 18.71%. The import value depicts China’s vast appetite for seafood and marine products. Henan Weilong Food Enterprise E-Commerce Development Co. Ltd is also based in China. It contributes 15.11%. Cargill France SAS follows in close competition with 13.46%. Guangdong Haid Group Co. Ltd. and A and J Holding MMC contribute 10.84% and 9.83%, respectively. They import marine products to supplement the domestic demand across varied sectors.

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a government body. It is managed by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is established to promote and regulate the marine exports from India. MPEDA plays a critical role in ensuring the marine products meet the global standards of quality, hygiene, and sustainability. Its support includes issuing certifications like exporter registration and quality certifications and organizing international trade fairs. The government body supports the exporters through training programs. It also supports research and development programs of aquaculture and related subsidies. MPEDA promotes global marine exports.

In A Nutshell

The global marine export is a booming business. Concern for sustainability and evolving lifestyle drives the demand. Stable supply chain, trade policies, and MPEDA support boost supply. Marine export is beyond the regular appetite for seafood. Marine export is the use of value-added marine products like fish meal, aquatic oils, algae-based goods, collagen, chitin, and natural sponges across varied industries.

Seafood exporters can leverage the increasing demand for sustainable products and add non-edible marine exports to their list. Exporters need to start with learning about markets for marine products. Monitor buyer trends and analyze their purchases through the Ex-Im trade data platform. Cut down on peak purchase timeline and drivers. Pitch with samples and build relationships through quality products, promised delivery timelines, and competitive prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most profitable marine products to export from India?
Fish oil, fishmeal, chitin, collagen, peptides, algae products, and fish leather are the most in-demand and most profitable non-edible marine products to export from India.

2. What are the top destinations for India’s marine exports?
China, Vietnam, Australia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, the United States, Japan, and Turkey are among the key markets with high demand for India’s marine products. Businesses can use the Ex-Im application to track the purchases of these buyers and reach out to them through verified contact.

3. What are marine products?
Marine products include seafood like fish, shrimp, and molluscs; these have a high demand across different cuisines. And the non-edible products, including fish oil, chitin, collagen, and algae, are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed.

4. Does India export marine products?
Yes, India is a leading exporter of seafood and non-edible marine products. The marine exports of non-edible products amounted to $435.39 million during 2024-2025.

5. Can I export marine products?
Yes, you can start by obtaining the required certification and following the exporter's guide. Once ready, you can use the Ex-Im application to track the purchases of these buyers and reach out to them through verified contact.

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