KARACHI: Pakistan’s seafood exports rose by 20.5 percent during the last fiscal year, with China and Thailand among the largest buyers worldwide, the maritime affairs ministry said on Monday, highlighting the Arabian Sea’s potential to boost the country’s exports.
Pakistan has the potential to become a major exporter of seafood as it possesses a coastline of more than 1,000 kilometers along the Arabian Sea and is also home to several species such as shrimp, tuna, mackerel and crab.
Pakistan’s maritime affairs ministry released its annual report on seafood exports’ progress for the fiscal year 2024-25 on Monday, attributing the surge to the government’s policies and regulations.
“Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Pakistan’s seafood exports reached a remarkable $489.2 million in the fiscal year 2024–25, marking a 20.5 percent increase from the previous year’s $406 million,” the maritime affairs ministry said.
The report said that fish meal led the seafood exports surge with 79,090 metric tons valued at $160 million, followed by frozen fish ($103.11 million), shrimps ($61.4 million), crabs ($29.68 million) and mackerels ($23 million). Other exported species included sole, jellyfish, skates and eels.
China retained its position as the top importer of Pakistani seafood, buying over 99,238 metric tons worth $186 million while Thailand followed as the second-largest destination, importing seafood valued at $105.7 million.
“Other key markets included the UAE, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Indonesia— reflecting Pakistan’s wide and diversified global outreach,” the report said.
He said exploring new international markets and improving Pakistan’s seafood export infrastructure are among the government’s top priorities, adding that modern regulations, monitoring and certification systems boosted exports.
“We are strengthening ties with the private sector to promote exports,” Chaudhry said. “Pakistan’s seafood products are becoming increasingly attractive to international buyers.”
The report also said Pakistan’s seafood export value to the European Union surged by 44.4 percent to $13 million. Chaudhry noted that this shift points to Pakistan’s strategic focus on premium, high-value seafood products tailored to EU preferences where quality and sustainability increasingly influence demand.
“The fiscal year 2024–25 stands as a landmark for Pakistan’s fisheries industry, with solid achievements in both quantity and value,” it said. “These gains not only strengthen the national economy but also underline Pakistan’s readiness to meet evolving global demands through sustainable and quality-driven practices.”
The development takes place amid the government’s announcement that it is pursuing sustainable economic growth driven by exports and long-term fiscal reforms. Pakistan has been trying to escape a prolonged economic crisis that has drained its resources and triggered a balance of payments crisis for the country.
