Seafood exports surge on improved competitiveness

Fisheries sector rebounds from pandemic-era disruptions

ISLAMABAD:

The marine fisheries sector posted a 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.

Commenting on the data released by the Marine Fisheries Department, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday that the performance reflects the growing competitiveness of Pakistan's marine fisheries in global markets, noting sustained export momentum throughout the Jul-Dec 2025 period.

Compared with the corresponding period of FY 2024-25, when exports stood at 102,942.05 metric tons worth $208.25 million, the sector recorded an increase 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 the gross domestic product (GDP), the sector has rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions through expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics and stricter certification aligned with international standards.

According to the data, frozen fish remained the leading export category, accounting for 26,669.37 metric tons valued at $53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns followed with earnings of $40.46 million, while other products including shrimp 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 $149.2 million, nearly 59% of total seafood exports, driven by steady demand for high-quality frozen products. Thailand ranked second with imports valuing at $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 fish 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 $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, aided by seasonal demand and logistical improvements. Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector increased to Rs127.7 million (approximately $460,000), up from Rs118 million a year earlier.

The maritime minister attributed the gains to government initiatives, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (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 the 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.