Key Points
- Seafood exports rise 21.6 per cent in value and 19.1 per cent in volume year-on-year
- China remains Pakistan’s largest market, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of exports
- Frozen fish, shrimps and cuttlefish lead export earnings
- Government cites logistics upgrades and international compliance as key drivers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports rose sharply in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, reaching $253.24 million due to higher global demand and better processing and logistics, according to the official data released on Friday.
Exports totalled 122,629 metric tons between July and December 2025, up from 102,942 metric tons valued at $208.25 million in the same period a year earlier, according to figures released by the Marine Fisheries Department.
The data indicate a 19.1 per cent increase in export volume and a 21.6 per cent rise in value.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the performance reflects growing competitiveness in Pakistan’s fisheries exports. Fisheries improved export growth was supported by steady demand in key Asian markets and improved compliance with international quality standards.
The fisheries sector is a major source of income for coastal communities along the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. The country has historically contributed about 1 per cent to Pakistan’s gross domestic product.
Industry officials say the sector has rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions through expanded processing capacity, better cold-chain infrastructure, and stricter certification aligned with global requirements.
Frozen fish remained the largest export category, with shipments of 26,669 metric tons generating $53.33 million in earnings. Exports of shrimps and prawns brought in $40.46 million, followed by frozen cuttlefish at $36.13 million.
Other products, including crab, sardines, mackerel, flatfish species, shrimp meal and fish meal, also contributed to higher receipts, reflecting a gradual shift towards diversification and value-added processing.
China retained its position as Pakistan’s largest seafood export destination, importing more than 83,600 metric tons worth $149.2 million, or nearly 59% of total exports.
Thailand ranked second with imports valued at $31.3 million, largely driven by demand for shrimps and prawns from processing plants operating under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points certification.
The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan followed as key markets, with growing shipments of cuttlefish and fish meal. Officials said export diversification efforts have also expanded access to markets in the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait and the United States.
Monthly export data showed consistent momentum, with shipments peaking at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, backed by seasonal demand and improved port handling and logistics.
Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector — including licence fees, port charges, certification fees and other regulatory receipts — rose to Rs 127.7 million (about $460,000), compared with Rs 118 million (around $425,000) a year earlier.
The maritime affairs ministry attributed the gains to targeted government initiatives, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar.
Despite the stronger performance, officials cautioned that challenges remain, particularly climate-related impacts on fish stocks and migratory species.
The government says it is adopting tools such as environmental DNA monitoring and broader blue economy strategies as Pakistan aligns with international conventions and strengthens regional cooperation.
