Seafood exports to China jump 24%
The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has called for greater efforts to expand Pakistan's seafood exports to China, terming growing demand for Pakistani mud crabs and other seafood products a significant opportunity for export diversification, foreign exchange generation and development of the blue economy, a statement said on Tuesday.
Pakistan's seafood exports to China reached approximately $255 million in 2025, marking a 24% increase compared with 2024, highlighting the expanding potential of the Chinese market.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said Pakistan possesses considerable potential in fisheries and seafood exports, particularly in high-value products such as mud crabs, shrimp, lobster and fresh and frozen fish. He emphasised that Pakistan should capitalise on its extensive coastline and marine resources by investing in modern processing, cold-chain infrastructure, quality control and international certification.
China's large and rapidly developing seafood market provides exporters with an important opportunity to increase their market share and establish long-term commercial partnerships, he said.
Vice President PCJCCI, Amir Ali highlighted strong growth in Pakistan-China seafood trade, stating that improved supply chains and compliance with international food-safety standards can further strengthen Pakistan's position in the Chinese market.
Pakistan's total seafood export earnings during FY26 reached between $482.08 million, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)-verified data, and $568 million based on provisional figures from the Ministry of Finance. China remained the primary destination for Pakistani seafood exports. Chilled and fresh crab exports to China exceeded $31.9 million during the first eleven months of 2025.
Commercial Ambassador Adeel Munawar said mud crabs have emerged as a promising export product and could play an important role in diversifying Pakistan's seafood exports. He stressed the importance of strengthening business-to-business linkages with Chinese importers and distributors to create sustainable market access.
Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif said expansion of seafood exports could generate employment and improve livelihoods for coastal communities in Sindh and Balochistan. He called for stronger coordination among government agencies, exporters and fisheries authorities to develop an integrated seafood export ecosystem.
PCJCCI called for targeted policy support, investment in modern seafood infrastructure and stronger Pakistan-China business linkages to unlock the sector's full export potential.