Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector has shown remarkable growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, with seafood exports reaching 122,629.11 metric tons between July and December 2025, generating revenue of $253.24 million.
According to sources, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry released these figures on Friday, stating that compared to the same period last fiscal year, export volume increased by 19.1 percent while export value rose by 21.6 percent. The minister attributed this performance to the growing competitiveness of Pakistani products in global markets and sustained export momentum.
Highlighting fisheries as an important pillar of the national economy, the federal minister said the sector provides livelihoods to millions of people in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. He added that through enhanced processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics, and internationally compliant certification, the sector has emerged from disruptions caused during the pandemic period.
According to the data, frozen fish remained the largest export category with earnings of $53.33 million, followed by shrimp and cuttlefish. Other products, including crabs, sardines, and fish meal, also contributed to increased export revenues.
China remained the largest destination for Pakistan’s seafood exports, importing products worth $149.2 million, which accounted for nearly 59 percent of total exports. Thailand ranked second with imports valued at $31.3 million, while exports were also expanded to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Japan, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
The federal minister credited this success to investments in the infrastructure of Karachi and Gwadar ports and cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Acknowledging challenges such as the impacts of climate change, he emphasized the protection of marine life through a ‘blue economy’ strategy and sustainable fishing practices.
