Pakistan seafood exports are making waves in global markets, recording a robust 21.6% year-on-year growth in value during the first half of FY2025–26, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s marine economy and export competitiveness.
According to official data from the Marine Fisheries Department, seafood exports reached $253.24 million between July and December 2025, compared with $208.25 million during the same period last year. Export volumes also climbed sharply, rising 19.1% to 122,629 metric tons, reflecting stronger foreign demand and improved export readiness.
This upward momentum, sustained consistently across the six-month period, points to more than just seasonal recovery it suggests a structural shift in Pakistan’s fisheries sector.
Pakistan Seafood Exports Gain Global Traction
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the export performance as a sign of improving competitiveness of Pakistan seafood exports in international markets. He noted that steady monthly growth reflects better logistics, stronger compliance with global standards, and increased value-added processing.
In comparison, during the first half of FY2024–25, Pakistan exported just under 103,000 metric tons, highlighting how quickly export capacity has expanded within a year.
Frozen Fish Leads Pakistan Seafood Exports
Among product categories, frozen fish remained the backbone of Pakistan seafood exports, accounting for shipments of over 26,600 metric tons valued at $53.33 million. This was followed closely by shrimps and prawns, which generated $40.46 million, while frozen cuttlefish contributed $36.13 million.
Beyond these major categories, additional earnings came from shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish species, and fish meal. This diversification reflects growing investment in value-added processing, reducing reliance on raw exports and improving margins.
China Dominates Pakistan Seafood Exports Market
When it comes to destinations, China remained the largest buyer of Pakistan seafood exports, importing more than 83,600 metric tons valued at $149.2 million nearly 59% of total exports during the period.
Thailand ranked second, importing seafood worth $31.3 million, primarily shrimps and prawns. The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan followed, with increasing demand for cuttlefish and fish meal. Pakistan seafood exports also reached the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United States, indicating expanding geographic reach.
Monthly Data Shows Consistent Growth Momentum
Export performance strengthened month after month, peaking at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December. Seasonal demand, smoother port operations, and enhanced cold-chain logistics played a critical role in sustaining this momentum.
Alongside exports, non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector rose to Rs127.7 million, up from Rs118 million in the same period last year, underscoring the sector’s growing fiscal contribution.
Pakistan Seafood Exports and the Maritime Economy
The fisheries sector remains a vital pillar of Pakistan’s maritime economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods along the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. Historically contributing around 1% to GDP, the sector has rebounded strongly from pandemic-era disruptions.
The recovery has been powered by expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain infrastructure, and stricter certification aligned with international quality standards.
Sustainability and Infrastructure Drive Future Growth
The maritime affairs minister attributed recent gains to targeted initiatives under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organization on sustainable fishing practices and investments in Karachi and Gwadar port infrastructure.
However, he stressed that long-term growth in Pakistan seafood exports must go hand in hand with regulatory compliance and marine biodiversity protection, especially in the face of climate-related challenges.
The Big Picture
With rising global demand, diversified export products, and expanding market access, Pakistan seafood exports are entering a decisive growth phase. If sustainability measures and infrastructure upgrades continue, the sector could emerge as a major foreign exchange earner turning Pakistan’s coastline into a strategic economic asset.