Pakistan's seafood exports surged to an all-time high of $568 million in fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 38% increase over two years, according to data from the Marine Fisheries Department. The growth came as the government intensified efforts to expand the blue economy amid regional trade disruptions.
Export Growth Trajectory
Exports of fish and fish preparations rose steadily from $406 million in 2023-24 to $489 million in 2024-25, before jumping to $568 million in 2025-26. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry attributed the record to strengthened regulatory oversight, improved compliance with international food safety standards, and enhanced market access.
Top Export Categories
Frozen fish remained the largest export item, generating $105.09 million. Other major exports included frozen squid and cuttlefish ($103.71 million), fish meal ($83.12 million), shrimps ($62.14 million), crabs ($36.89 million), sardines ($30.62 million), mackerels ($22.67 million), flat fish ($17.24 million), octopus ($15.18 million), and minced fish meat ($14.63 million).
Key Export Destinations
China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the United States were the primary markets for Pakistani seafood.
Resilience Amid Regional Challenges
Chaudhry noted that the export growth was achieved despite disruptions to regional trade and maritime logistics linked to tensions in the Gulf region, calling it evidence of the fisheries sector's resilience. He credited the Marine Fisheries Department, led by Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan, for strengthening regulatory oversight, maintaining international standards, and facilitating market access.
Future Plans and Recognition
The government plans to continue improving quality assurance systems, promote value-added seafood products, and diversify export markets. A ceremony will soon be held to recognize the country's top 10 fisheries exporters, with certificates of appreciation to be presented by the prime minister.
Challenges and New Opportunities
The fisheries sector contributes about 1% of Pakistan's GDP but faces challenges such as overfishing, post-harvest losses, and illegal fishing practices that threaten marine resources, Chaudhry said. He also announced that 16 Pakistani seafood processing plants have been approved for export to Russia, opening access to the Russian market for the first time and creating opportunities across the Eurasian Economic Union.
