Avanti Feeds, Apex Frozen, other shrimp stocks zoom up to 17% on European good news

Shares of seafood exporters such as Avanti Feeds, Apex Frozen Foods and Waterbase Ltd zoomed up to 17% on Wednesday, September 10, after the European Union (EU) listed 102 new Indian fishery establishments for export from India to EU member countries.

Apex Frozen Foods shares led the rally in aquaculture stocks, surging 16.7% to hit a day’s high of Rs 255.45. The shares of Waterbase Ltd followed with a sharp gain of 12.5%, touching a high of Rs 55. Meanwhile, Avanti Feeds shares also participated in the uptrend, rising 10.13% to scale a high of Rs 726.

India expects a sharp boost in seafood exports after gaining wider market access for aquaculture shrimp and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, the official confirmation from the government stated.


The Commerce Ministry projects trading volumes could rise by around 20% immediately, calling the move a positive step as New Delhi pursues larger trade talks with the EU.

Marine exports have faced pressure since US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods. The US remains the biggest buyer, followed by the European Union, China and Japan. Exporters like Avanti Feeds earn nearly 18% of their revenue from the EU, while Apex derives over 30%. Others, including Coastal Corp and IFB Agro, also have exposure to the region.

Another factor that could be at play in today’s session is Donald Trump’s recent post on Truth Social. He said that the two nations are continuing negotiations to address trade barriers and feels certain that there will be no difficulties in reaching a successful conclusion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also echoed the same optimism on X (formerly Twitter), saying ‘I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership.

Also read: Will Infosys' share buyback boost investor confidence?

What are experts saying?

“In India’s case, shrimp isn’t just on the menu — it is the menu,” InCred Equities said in a note, maintaining a positive outlook for a sector-wide recovery beginning CY25. The brokerage expects feed companies to see margin revival by Q1CY25, while processors and exporters could benefit by Q4CY25. It also projects India’s share of US shrimp imports could climb to nearly 50% by CY25-end, supported by strong supply chains, cost advantages, and restored capacity.

The European Union is the world’s third-largest shrimp market after the US and China. While Ecuador leads in the commodity segment, India’s strength lies in value-added shrimp, InCred added. Indian produce is already well-regarded in the EU, but restrictions such as the freeze on plant approvals have limited its market potential. With approvals now in place, the next hurdle is easing tariff and non-tariff barriers that continue to constrain Indian exporters.

Avanti Feeds’ stock price is down 20% in the last six months. Apex Frozen Foods’ share price has slipped over 15% on a year-to-date basis. Waterbase shares have declined over 35% since the beginning of the year.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)