KARACHI: Pakistan’s seafood exports have crossed the $500 million mark for the first time, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Saturday.
Chaudhry said the government’s target was met 46 days ahead of schedule in the current fiscal year, crediting reforms, improved facilitation and expansion into new markets.
He praised coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Marine Fisheries Department and other stakeholders to modernize the sector and raise quality standards. He also commended Marine Fisheries Board Director General Dr. Mansoor Wasan and his team for helping achieve the milestone.
The minister highlighted that Pakistani seafood has gained approval to enter the Russian market for the first time, with 16 companies authorized to export.
He estimated exports to Russia could generate $300 million annually and pave the way for entry into other Eurasian Economic Union markets, potentially lifting overall seafood exports to $800 million.
Between July and December 2025, the marine fisheries sector posted strong growth, exporting 122,629 metric tonnes valued at $253.24 million, up 19.1% in volume and 21.6% in value compared with the same period a year earlier.
Frozen fish led exports at $53.33 million, followed by shrimps and prawns at $40.46 million and frozen cuttlefish at $36.13 million.
China remained the largest market, importing 83,602 tonnes worth $149.2 million, or nearly 59% of total exports. Thailand ranked second with $31.3 million in shrimp and prawn imports.
Exports also rose to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan, while diversification expanded shipments to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait and the United States.
Chaudhry noted Pakistan secured a four-year extension for seafood exports to the United States after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration classified Pakistani fisheries as “comparable” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
He also announced plans for a 100-acre seafood processing and export zone at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority, estimated at $60–80 million. The project will include 20–25 processing units, cold storage, blast-freezing facilities, ice plants and packaging operations to expand Pakistan’s role in the global seafood trade.
