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Despite disruptions, shipments grow on better compliance with food safety standards
Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s seafood exports jumped to a record $568 million in fiscal year 2025-26, registering an increase of 38% over two years. The rise in exports came amid government’s efforts to expand the country’s blue economy despite regional trade disruptions.
Data released by the Marine Fisheries Department revealed that exports of fish and fish preparations increased from $406 million in 2023-24 to $489 million in 2024-25, before reaching $568 million in 2025-26.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the record exports reflected the government’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector, improve compliance with international food safety standards and boost seafood shipments.
Frozen fish remained Pakistan’s largest seafood export, generating $105.09 million, followed by 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), according to the department. China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United States were the main export destinations.
The maritime minister said the export growth had been achieved despite disruptions to regional trade and maritime logistics linked to tensions in the Gulf region, describing it as evidence of the resilience of the fisheries sector.
He credited the Marine Fisheries Department, led by Dr Mansoor Ali Wassan, for strengthening regulatory oversight, maintaining international standards and facilitating market access. He said the government would continue improving quality assurance systems, promote value-added seafood products and diversify export markets.
The minister said a ceremony would soon be held to recognise the country’s top 10 fisheries’ exporters, with certificates of appreciation to be presented by the prime minister.
Pakistan’s fisheries sector contributes around 1% of gross domestic product, but continues to face challenges including overfishing, post-harvest losses and illegal fishing practices that threaten marine resources, Chaudhry said.
He said that 16 Pakistani seafood processing plants had already been approved for export to Russia, opening access to the Russian market for the first time and creating opportunities across the Eurasian Economic Union.