1H seafood exports record 22pc growth

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports recorded a growth of over 22 percent, reaching USD 253 million in the first half of Financial Year 2025–26, according to data released by the Marine Fisheries Department.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry appreciated the strong performance of the marine fisheries sector, noting that seafood exports rose to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at USD 253.24 million during the period from July to December 2025. He said Pakistan is poised to achieve its highest-ever seafood exports.

The minister stated that the performance reflects the growing competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine fisheries in global markets, highlighting sustained export momentum throughout the period.

According to official data, exports during the corresponding period of FY2024–25 stood at 102,942.05 metric tons worth USD 208.25 million. This represents a year-on-year increase of 19.1 percent in volume and 21.6 percent in value.

According to the data, frozen fish remained the leading export category, accounting for 26,669.37 metric tons valued at USD 53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns followed with earnings of USD 40.46 million, while frozen cuttlefish generated USD 36.13 million.

Other products—including shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish species, and fish meal—also contributed to higher export receipts, underscoring diversification and growth in value-added processing.

China retained its position as Pakistan’s largest export destination, importing more than 83,602 metric tons worth USD 149.2 million—nearly 59 percent of total seafood exports—driven by steady demand for high-quality frozen products.

Thailand ranked second with imports valued at USD 31.3 million, mainly shrimps and prawns, supported by Pakistan’s HACCP-certified processing standards. The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan followed, with rising shipments of cuttlefish and fish meal.

The minister added that market diversification efforts have also expanded exports to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United States.

Monthly export figures showed consistent growth, peaking at USD 56.42 million in November and USD 55 million in December, aided by seasonal demand and logistical improvements. Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector also increased to Rs127.7 million (approximately USD 460,000), up from Rs118 million a year earlier.

Minister Chaudhry described fisheries as a vital pillar of the national maritime economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in coastal communities along the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

Historically contributing around one percent to GDP, the sector has rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions through expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics, and stricter certification aligned with international standard.

Minister Chaudhry attributed the gains to government initiatives under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar. “These developments signal the fisheries sector’s rising contribution to foreign exchange earnings and economic stability,” he said, while stressing the need for strict regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing to protect marine biodiversity.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges such as climate-related impacts on migratory species, but noted that emerging tools like eDNA monitoring and broader blue economy strategies are gaining momentum as Pakistan aligns with IMO conventions and strengthens regional cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026