ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China rose to nearly $255 million in 2025, underscoring Beijing’s growing importance as a destination for Pakistani marine products, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) published by state-run APP on Monday.

The figures point to a broader geographic and product diversification of Pakistan’s seafood trade with China at a time when Islamabad is seeking to boost foreign exchange earnings and reduce reliance on a narrow set of export sectors.

“The gains were driven by sustained demand for frozen fish, cephalopods, and a growing range of processed seafood products in both coastal and inland markets,” APP said in a report, citing China Customs data.

Frozen fish remained the single largest export category, contributing about $64.6 million to Pakistan’s seafood shipments to China. Imports were concentrated in major coastal and metropolitan entry points, with Guangdong province emerging as the largest destination by value and volume, importing 8.48 million kilograms worth $15.7 million. Shandong and Beijing followed, each exceeding 7 million kilograms, while Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang also recorded substantial volumes.

At the same time, smaller but notable shipments were recorded in inland provinces including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing, suggesting a widening distribution footprint supported by expanding cold-chain logistics and growing demand away from China’s traditional port cities.

Cephalopods emerged as another key growth pillar. Exports of frozen cuttlefish and squid reached nearly $31 million, while frozen octopus rose to almost $12 million, reflecting demand from catering chains and seafood processors supplying China’s foodservice and ready-to-cook segments.

Affordable pelagic fish also performed strongly. Frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling and sprats recorded imports of around $14.9 million, supported by household consumption and mass-market food manufacturers.

In addition to core frozen categories, Pakistan exported roughly $14.4 million each in two higher-value segments classified by China Customs as “fish” and “fish products,” indicating a gradual shift toward processed and value-added seafood lines.

Analysts cited in the APP report attributed the overall growth to improved compliance with Chinese food safety standards, expanded approvals for Pakistani processing facilities and competitive pricing backed by Pakistan’s marine resource base. Investments in cold-chain logistics and streamlined customs procedures were also seen as supporting higher volumes and broader market access.