KARACHI: Pakistan’s seafood exports climbed 22% over the past six months buoyed by strong demand from Gulf and Asian markets, the country’s Press Information Department said, citing official data.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector posted strong growth as its seafood exports rose to 122,629.11 metric tons, valued at $253.24 million, between July and December 2025, the Press Information Department said on Friday, citing Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

Pakistan’s exports stood at 102,942.05 metric tons worth $208.25 million during the corresponding period of the previous year, according to the Marine Fisheries Department data. The sector recorded a year-on-year increase of 19.1% in volume and 21.6% in value.

Fisheries is a vital pillar of the national maritime economy that supports livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis, particularly in coastal communities along the Arabian Sea in Sindh and Balochistan provinces, according to the maritime affairs minister.

Historically contributing around 1% 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.

“The performance reflects the growing competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine fisheries in global markets,” Chaudhry, who noted sustained export momentum from July till December, was quoted as saying by the PID.

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% of total seafood exports— driven by steady demand for high-quality frozen products,” PID said.

“Thailand ranked second with imports valued at $31.3 million, mainly shrimps and prawns, supported by Pakistan’s HACCP-certified (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-certified) processing standards.”

The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Japan followed, with rising shipments of cuttlefish and fish meal.

Chaudhry said 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.

Chaudhry attributed the gains to government initiatives such as collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port infrastructure in Karachi and Gwadar.

“These developments signal the fisheries sector’s rising contribution to foreign exchange earnings and economic stability,” he said, stressing the need for strict regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing to protect marine biodiversity.