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Sector Overview

Seafood

India → Spain / EU
Seafood

1Introduction

Spain is one of the world's largest seafood markets. It imports from over 100 countries and ranks among the EU's highest per-person consumers.

India is a leading exporter of farmed shrimp, squid, cuttlefish and fish. Its seafood exports to the EU are growing fast after more Indian plants were approved for EU export.

2Turnover & Scalability

Market size & growth

USD 10.8BSpain seafood imports (2025)
40.7 kgSeafood eaten per person per year in Spain
USD 1.59BIndia's seafood exports to the EU, 2025–26 (+41%)

Spain imported USD 10.8 billion of seafood in 2025, up 3%, with shrimp and prawns among the main categories. India's seafood exports to the EU reached USD 1.59 billion in 2025–26, up 41%. The EU has approved 102 additional Indian establishments and kept India on its approved list for aquaculture products.

Indicative business potential

Year 1
€0.5M – €2M
Frozen shrimp and cephalopod containers to Spanish importers and wholesalers
Year 3
€3M – €8M
Value-added products and direct retail and HoReCa distribution

Indicative estimates by Think Euro International. Actual results depend on capital invested, pricing, buyers and execution.

How the business scales

  1. Start with frozen shrimp and squid containers to wholesalers
  2. Add value-added lines: cooked, peeled, breaded
  3. Supply retail chains and HoReCa directly
  4. Use cold storage in Vigo, Barcelona or Valencia
  5. Expand to Portugal, Italy and France

3Taxation

EU import dutyFrozen shrimp: 12% standard; India currently gets a reduced GSP rate (about 4.2% on most shrimp). Under the India–EU FTA, marine products go to 0% over 3–5 years.
Spanish VAT (IVA)10% (food)
Spanish corporate taxSpanish SL: 25% standard rate. Reduced 2026 rates: 19% on the first €50,000 of profit and 21% on the rest for companies with turnover under €1M; 23% for turnover under €10M; 15% for the first two profitable years of a newly created company.

India–EU FTA: negotiations concluded on 27 January 2026. It is not yet in force (expected no earlier than 2027); once in force it removes or cuts EU duties on most Indian goods.

4Required Licences & Registrations

We coordinate company formation, registrations and licensing end-to-end with our legal and customs partners.

Interested in Seafood?

Talk to our team about sourcing, market entry, licensing and setting up your business in Spain.

Figures and rates are for general information (updated September 2026) and can change. Duty rates depend on the exact customs (TARIC) code, and tax depends on your specific situation. Please confirm with us before making investment decisions. This page is not legal or tax advice.