Seafood Exports Surge in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector

Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector posted strong growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26. Seafood exports reached 122,629.11 metric tons, valued at $253.24 million between July and December 2025. Federal Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the performance reflects growing competitiveness in global markets. Export momentum remained consistent throughout the period.

Compared with the same period in FY2024–25, exports rose 19.1 percent in volume and 21.6 percent in value. Last year, shipments totaled 102,942.05 metric tons worth $208.25 million. Frozen fish remained the largest export category, followed by shrimps, prawns, and cuttlefish. Other products, including crabs, sardines, mackerel, and fish meal, also contributed to higher revenues.

China continued as Pakistan’s largest seafood market, importing nearly 59 percent of exports by value. Thailand ranked second, driven by shrimp demand. Other major markets included the UAE, Malaysia, Japan, and expanding destinations in the EU, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United States. Monthly exports peaked at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December.

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Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector also increased to Rs127.7 million, up from Rs118 million last year. The minister highlighted fisheries as a key pillar of the national maritime economy. The sector supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in coastal communities, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. Growth followed pandemic-era recovery through improved processing, cold-chain logistics, and international certification compliance.

Muhammad Junaid Anwar said the government works with international partners to promote sustainable fishing and port infrastructure development. Challenges include climate impacts on migratory species. Emerging tools like eDNA monitoring and blue economy strategies are helping Pakistan align with IMO conventions. The sector’s growth signals stronger regional cooperation and a resilient maritime economy.