ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China rose to nearly $255 million in 2025, reflecting stronger demand for frozen fish and cephalopods and a widening distribution footprint across Chinese provinces, according to data cited by state-run APP from China’s General Administration of Customs.
Frozen fish remained Pakistan’s largest export category to China, generating about $64.6 million in shipments during the year. Guangdong emerged as the top destination by value and volume, followed by Shandong and Beijing, while Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang also recorded sizeable imports.
Exporters also made inroads into inland markets including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing, supported by improved cold-chain logistics and rising consumer demand outside traditional port cities.
Cephalopods were another major growth driver. Exports of frozen cuttlefish and squid approached $31 million, while frozen octopus shipments reached nearly $12 million, largely driven by catering chains and seafood processors supplying China’s foodservice sector.
Lower-cost pelagic species such as sardines and sardinella also performed strongly, contributing around $14.9 million, backed by household consumption and mass-market food manufacturers.
In addition, Pakistan exported about $14.4 million each in two higher-value segments classified as fish and fish products, indicating gradual progress toward processed and value-added seafood.
Analysts cited improvements in compliance with Chinese food safety standards, expanded approvals for Pakistani processing facilities and competitive pricing as key factors supporting growth. Investments in logistics and streamlined customs procedures also helped exporters reach new markets.
The expansion forms part of Pakistan’s broader effort to diversify exports, strengthen foreign exchange earnings and reduce reliance on a limited range of traditional sectors.
