To commemorate the entry into force of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is set to flag off fresh chilled fish consignments from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.MPEDA officials said the consignment, exported by Gladson Exporters and Jude Foods India Pvt. Ltd., would be approximately 2,000 kg.MPEDA officials have said that the India–UK CETA marks a major milestone for India’s seafood export sector. During 2025–26, India’s seafood exports to the UK reached 18,898 tonnes, valued at US$128.20 million.The UK continues to be an important market for Indian seafood, driven by strong demand from the large Indian diaspora and a growing consumer preference for processed seafood products, particularly shrimp, fish, and squid.Frozen shrimp accounted for 80.9 per cent of total seafood exports to the UK, with an export value of $103.72 million, followed by frozen fish, which contributed 5.5 per cent of exports, valued at $7.12 million during 2025–26.Lower tariff benefitUnder the India–UK CETA, 99 per cent of tariff lines will enjoy zero-duty access, providing a significant advantage to Indian exporters and enhancing the competitiveness of Indian seafood products in the UK market. Key marine products such as Vannamei shrimp, black tiger shrimp, frozen squid, lobsters, and frozen pomfret will now benefit from duty-free market access, creating new opportunities for export growth and market expansion.With the agreement now in force, Indian seafood exporters will benefit from the elimination of tariffs ranging from 4.2 to 21.5 per cent on a wide range of marine products. This preferential market access is expected to significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian seafood in the UK, boost export volumes, and create new opportunities for growth across the seafood value chain.The India–UK CETA is also expected to create new opportunities for the Indian seafood industry by enhancing export competitiveness, encouraging investment in value-added products, promoting skill development, and generating better employment prospects for coastal communities dependent on the fisheries sector.Published on July 14, 2026