Seafood exports are increasing due to improved competitiveness

The marine fisheries sector saw strong growth in the first half of the financial year 2025-26, with seafood exports increasing to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at $253.24 million.

Commenting on the data released by the Ministry of Marine Fisheries, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday that the performance reflects the increasing competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine fisheries in global markets, noting the steady momentum of exports during July-December 2025.

Compared to the corresponding period of 2024-2025, when exports reached 102,942.05 metric tons valued at $208.25 million, the industry registered a growth of 19.1% in volume and 21.6% in value.

The federal minister described fisheries as a vital pillar of the national maritime economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods among coastal communities along the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. Historically contributing around 1% to gross domestic product (GDP), the industry has recovered from pandemic-era disruptions through expanded processing capacity, improved cold chain supply chain and stricter certification to international standards.

According to the data, frozen fish remained the top export category, with 26,669.37 metric tons worth $53.33 million. Shrimp and prawns followed with $40.46 million in earnings, while other products including shrimp and fishmeal also contributed to higher export earnings, highlighting the diversification and growth of value-added processing.

China maintained its position as Pakistan’s largest export destination, importing more than 83,602 metric tons worth $149.2 million, nearly 59% of total seafood exports, due to steady demand for high-quality frozen products. Thailand ranked second with $31.3 million worth of imports, mainly shrimp and prawns, supported by Pakistan-certified HACCP processing standards.

The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan followed, with increasing shipments of fish and fishmeal. 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 steady growth, reaching $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, helped by seasonal demand and logistical improvements. Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector rose to Rs127.7 million (about $460,000), from Rs118 million a year earlier.

The shipping minister attributed the gains to government initiatives, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on sustainable fishing practices and investment in port infrastructure in Karachi and Gwadar.

“These developments signal the increasing contribution of the fisheries sector 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 such as eDNA monitoring and broader blue economy strategies are gaining momentum as Pakistan aligns with IMO conventions and strengthens regional cooperation.