Marine fisheries sector posted strong growth in the first half of fiscal year
2025–26, with seafood exports rising to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at $253.24
million between July and December 2025, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday.
Commenting on data released by the Marine Fisheries Department, the minister
said the performance reflects the growing competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine
fisheries in global markets, noting sustained export momentum throughout the period.
Compared with the corresponding period of FY2024–25—when exports stood at
102,942.05 metric tons worth $208.25 million, the sector recorded a year-on-year
increase of 19.1 percent in volume and 21.6 percent in value.
Minister Chaudhry described fisheries as a vital pillar of the national maritime
economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods in coastal communities along
the Arabian Sea, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. Historically contributing around
one percent to GDP, the sector has rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions through
expanded processing capacity, improved cold-chain logistics, and stricter certification
aligned with international standards.
According to the data, frozen fish remained the leading export category,
accounting for 26,669.37 metric tons valued at $53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns
followed with earnings of $40.46 million, while frozen cuttlefish generated $36.13
million. Other products—including shrimp meal, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish
species, and fish meal—also contributed to higher export receipts, underscoring
diversification and growth in value-added processing.
China retained its position as Pakistan’s largest export destination, importing
more than 83,602 metric tons worth $149.2 million—nearly 59 percent of total seafood
exports—driven by steady demand for high-quality frozen products. Thailand ranked
second with imports valued at $31.3 million, mainly shrimps and prawns, supported by
Pakistan’s HACCP-certified processing standards.
The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan followed, with rising shipments
of cuttlefish and fish meal. The minister added that market diversification efforts have
also expanded exports to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and the
United States.
Monthly export figures showed consistent growth, peaking at $56.42 million in
November and $55 million in December, aided by seasonal demand and logistical
improvements. Non-tax revenue from the fisheries sectors also increased to Rs127.7
million (approximately $460,000), up from Rs118 million a year earlier.
Minister Chaudhry attributed the gains to government initiatives under the
Ministry of Maritime Affairs, including collaboration with the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port
infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar.
“These developments signal the fisheries sector’s rising contribution to foreign
exchange earnings and economic stability,” he said, while stressing the need for strict
regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing to protect marine biodiversity.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges such as climate-related impacts on
migratory species, but noted that emerging tools like eDNA monitoring and broader blue
economy strategies are gaining momentum as Pakistan aligns with IMO conventions
and strengthens regional cooperation.
