Pakistan’s seafood exports reel in $255m from China

January 26, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s seafood exports to China surged to nearly $255 million in 2025, a strong upward trend as demand broadened beyond traditional frozen fish into higher-value and processed products.

Pakistan is steadily diversifying its seafood footprint in the Chinese market, as it taps into both coastal hubs and fast-growing inland consumption centers.

While frozen fish remained the single largest export category bringing in about $64.6m the overall basket now reflects wider usage by foodservice operators, processors, and convenience-focused retailers, according to General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) as reported by APP.

Southern Guangdong emerged as the top destination for Pakistani frozen fish, importing 8.48 million kilograms valued at $15.7m.

Shandong and Beijing followed closely, each receiving more than 7 million kilograms, with Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang also posting solid volumes.

Together, these major ports and metropolitan centers underscored China’s reliance on large urban markets for frozen seafood inflows.

At the same time, shipments reached deeper into China’s interior. Provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing recorded notable imports, pointing to a widening distribution network supported by improving cold-chain logistics and inland demand for frozen seafood.

Cephalopods stood out as a fast-growing segment. Exports of frozen cuttlefish and squid climbed to nearly $31m, while frozen octopus approached $12m, driven largely by catering chains and ready-to-cook seafood processors seeking versatile, cold-chain-friendly inputs.

Lower-priced pelagic species also gained traction. Frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling, and sprats generated about $14.9m in exports, supported by household consumption and large-scale food manufacturers targeting the mass market.

Adding to the momentum, Pakistan exported around $14.4m each in China Customs categories labeled “fish” and “fish products,” signals a gradual shift toward processed and value-added seafood.

These lines align closely with China’s expanding convenience food, e-commerce, and ready-to-eat seafood segments.

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