Seafood exports rise 22% to $253m in H1 FY26

January 16, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s seafood exports rose 21.6% year-on-year in value to $253.24 million during the first half of FY2025–26.

Export volumes increased 19.1% to 122,629.11 metric tons between July and December 2025, showed stronger foreign demand and improved export capacity.

The increase compares with the same period of FY2024–25, when exports stood at 102,942.05 metric tons valued at $208.25m.

This marked a 19.1% rise in volume and a 21.6% increase in value, according to the Marine Fisheries Department, as per a press release issued.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, commenting on the figures, said export momentum remained steady throughout the six-month period.

He said the trend indicated improved competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine fisheries in global markets.

Frozen fish remained the largest export category, with shipments of 26,669.37 metric tons valued at $53.33m.

Exports of shrimps and prawns generated $40.46m, while frozen cuttlefish accounted for $36.13m.

Additional earnings came from shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish species and fish meal, pointing to diversification and growth in value-added processing.

China retained its position as Pakistan’s largest seafood export destination, importing more than 83,602 metric tons worth $149.2m nearly 59% of total exports during the period.

Thailand ranked second with imports valued at $31.3m, mainly shrimps and prawns. The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan followed, with rising demand for cuttlefish and fish meal.

Exports were also recorded to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait and the United States.

Monthly export data showed consistent growth, peaking at $56.42m in November and $55m in December, supported by seasonal demand and logistical improvements.

Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector increased to Rs127.7m, up from Rs118m in the corresponding period last year.

The minister said fisheries remain a key component of Pakistan’s maritime economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in coastal communities along the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

Historically contributing around 1% to GDP, the sector has recovered from pandemic-era disruptions through expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics and stricter certification aligned with international standards.

He attributed recent gains to initiatives under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, including collaboration with the International Maritime Organization on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar.

While stressing the need for regulatory compliance to protect marine biodiversity amid climate-related challenges.

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