Seafood exports hit $253 million in six months, says minister
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector posted strong growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, with seafood exports rising to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at $253.24 million between July and December 2025, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday.
Citing data released by the Marine Fisheries Department, the minister said exports increased by 19.1 percent in volume and 21.6 percent in value compared to the same period last year, when shipments totaled 102,942.05 metric tons worth $208.25 million.
He described fisheries as a key component of Pakistan’s maritime economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The sector, which contributes around one percent to GDP, has recovered from pandemic-era disruptions due to expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics, and better compliance with international certification standards.
Frozen fish remained the top export category, accounting for 26,669.37 metric tons valued at $53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns earned $40.46 million, while frozen cuttlefish generated $36.13 million. Other products, including shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish species, and fish meal, also contributed to higher export earnings.
China emerged as Pakistan’s largest seafood market, importing over 83,602 metric tons worth $149.2 million, representing nearly 59 percent of total exports. Thailand ranked second with imports valued at $31.3 million, mainly shrimps and prawns. The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan followed, while exports also expanded to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United States.
Monthly exports peaked at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, supported by seasonal demand and improved logistics. Non-tax revenue from the sector rose to Rs127.7 million, up from Rs118 million a year earlier.
The minister attributed the growth to government initiatives, including investments in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar, collaboration with the International Maritime Organization on sustainable fishing, and improved regulatory oversight. He stressed the need to maintain compliance and sustainable practices to protect marine biodiversity and sustain export momentum. Syed Naveed Jamal
