KARACHI: Pakistan’s seafood exports recorded a sharp increase in the first half of the 2025–26 fiscal year, supported by rising demand from Gulf and Asian markets, according to official data released by the Press Information Department (PID).
Between July and December 2025, seafood exports reached about 122,629 metric tons valued at approximately $253 million, compared with around 102,942 metric tons worth $208 million in the same period last year, data from the Marine Fisheries Department showed.
The figures represent a year-on-year rise of about 19% in export volume and nearly 22% in value, reflecting improved performance across key product categories.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the fisheries sector remains a critical component of Pakistan’s maritime economy, supporting livelihoods in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
He said sectoral growth has been aided by expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics and better compliance with international certification standards, helping exporters regain momentum after pandemic-related disruptions.
Official data showed frozen fish remained the leading export item, followed by shrimps, prawns and cuttlefish, while other products such as crabs, sardines and fish meal also contributed to higher export earnings.
China remained Pakistan’s largest seafood export destination during the period, followed by Thailand, while shipments to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan also increased. Officials said exports were also expanding to markets in Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Chaudhry said government initiatives, including investments in port infrastructure and cooperation on sustainable fishing practices, were supporting the sector’s contribution to foreign exchange earnings, while stressing the need for regulatory compliance to protect marine resources.
