Seafood Exports Jump 22% to $253m in H1 FY26: Junaid Anwar Chaudhry

Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector recorded robust growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, with seafood exports climbing 22 percent to $253.24 million, according to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

Citing figures released by the Marine Fisheries Department, the minister said exports between July and December 2025 reached 122,629.11 metric tons, reflecting sustained momentum and improved competitiveness in international markets.

During the same period last year, seafood exports stood at 102,942.05 metric tons valued at $208.25 million. This marks a year-on-year rise of 19.1 percent in volume and 21.6 percent in export value.

The minister described fisheries as a key component of Pakistan’s maritime economy, supporting livelihoods across coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan. He noted that the sector, which traditionally contributes around one percent to GDP, has recovered strongly from pandemic-related disruptions due to enhanced processing capacity, better cold-chain systems, and stricter compliance with global certification requirements.

Export data shows frozen fish remained the top category, with shipments of 26,669.37 metric tons worth $53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns generated $40.46 million, while frozen cuttlefish exports stood at $36.13 million. Additional gains came from products such as shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish varieties and fish meal, highlighting growing diversification and value addition.

China continued to be Pakistan’s largest seafood market, importing over 83,602 metric tons valued at $149.2 million—around 59 percent of total exports—largely driven by demand for frozen seafood. Thailand ranked second with imports worth $31.3 million, primarily shrimps and prawns, supported by HACCP-certified processing facilities in Pakistan.

Other major destinations included the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan, with increasing shipments of cuttlefish and fish meal. The minister added that exports have also expanded to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait and the United States as part of broader market diversification efforts.

Monthly figures showed steady growth, peaking at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, aided by seasonal demand and improved logistics. Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector also rose to Rs127.7 million, compared with Rs118 million in the same period last year.

Minister Chaudhry attributed the positive trend to government measures led by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, including cooperation with the International Maritime Organization on sustainable fishing practices and investment in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar.

“These gains reflect the sector’s growing role in foreign exchange earnings and economic resilience,” he said, while stressing the importance of regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing to protect marine ecosystems.

He also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as climate-related effects on migratory fish species, noting that emerging technologies and broader blue economy initiatives are being explored as Pakistan aligns with international maritime standards and strengthens regional cooperation.