Fisheries exports hit by power shortages, high costs

January 02, 2026 (MLN): The  Government has called for urgent reforms in the fisheries sector, stressing that a reliable energy supply and lower input costs are essential to boost exports, enhance competitiveness and generate sustainable revenue for the economy.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, speaking at a meeting in Islamabad, said persistent electricity shortages and high energy prices were constraining production and undermining the global competitiveness of Pakistani seafood exporters, according to a press release issued.

He said uninterrupted power supply, affordable feed and efficient power generation were critical to unlocking growth and helping fisheries gain recognition as a full-fledged industry.

The meeting was briefed by Assistant Fisheries Commissioner Farahan Khan, who highlighted structural gaps and operational challenges facing the sector.

The minister noted that Pakistan had abundant raw material including fish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, squid, cuttlefish and bivalves which could support value-added processing and export expansion.

More than 100 fish processing plants, ranging from small units to large commercial facilities, are operating across the country, supported by around 400 registered exporters.

However, most facilities were concentrated in Karachi, with limited infrastructure in Balochistan, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab lagged significantly in sectoral development.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2022 report, fish and fish preparations ranked 10th among Pakistan’s top export commodities in the 2024–25 fiscal year, accounting for 1.34% of total exports valued at $32.04bn.

The sector outperformed exports of fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, sports goods and surgical instruments.

Globally, fish and fish products are among the most traded food commodities, reaching around 230 countries with a total value of $195bn in 2022.

Average per capita consumption stood at 20.7 kilograms and is projected to rise further.

In Pakistan, fisheries contribute about 1% to gross domestic product and 4% to the agriculture sector, providing direct employment to over one million people and indirect livelihoods to around 1.5 million.

During the 2024–25 fiscal year, around 300,000 tonnes of fish and fish products were processed, with 30% exported for human consumption, 40% converted into fish meal for poultry, dairy and aquaculture, and the remainder used domestically.

On the other hand, Pakistani seafood is exported to more than 40 markets, including China, Gulf states, Southeast Asia, East Asia, the United States and the European Union.

By volume, it ranks second among agricultural exports and generates about $500m annually, though earnings fluctuate due to regional competition and pricing pressures.

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