Pakistan Seafood Exports Hit Record US$568 Million in FY2025-26, Strengthening Blue Economy and Global Maritime Trade
Pakistan’s seafood industry has reached a historic milestone, with fish and fish preparations exports climbing to a record US$568 million during the fiscal year 2025-26, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global seafood trade and blue economy.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the achievement on Thursday, describing it as a reflection of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime economy, expand seafood exports, and ensure compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
According to the minister, frozen fish remained Pakistan’s highest-value seafood export, generating US$105.09 million during the fiscal year. It was followed by frozen squid and cuttlefish (US$103.71 million), fish meal (US$83.12 million), shrimps (US$62.14 million), crabs (US$36.89 million), sardines (US$30.62 million), mackerels (US$22.67 million), flat fish (US$17.24 million), octopus (US$15.18 million), and minced fish meat (surimi) (US$14.63 million).
Pakistan’s seafood exports were shipped to major international markets, including China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the United States, reinforcing the country’s expanding presence in the global fisheries and seafood export industry.
The minister noted that this record-breaking performance was achieved despite disruptions to regional trade routes and maritime logistics caused by the evolving situation in the Gulf region. He said the achievement demonstrates the resilience of Pakistan’s fisheries sector, the dedication of exporters, and the effectiveness of regulatory institutions in maintaining export momentum.
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry praised Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan and the Marine Fisheries Department for ensuring international quality standards, strengthening regulatory oversight, and facilitating access to international seafood markets. He also acknowledged the contribution of exporters and industry stakeholders in sustaining Pakistan’s seafood export growth.
Reaffirming the government’s long-term strategy, the minister said efforts will continue to enhance quality assurance systems, diversify export destinations, promote value-added seafood products, and improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s fisheries industry as part of the country’s broader blue economy agenda.
He also announced that a performance review ceremony will be held soon, during which the top 10 fisheries exporters will receive certificates of appreciation from the Prime Minister in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Pakistan’s export sector.
Read: Pakistan Achieves Record $500 Million in Fish and Seafood Exports
The minister congratulated the Marine Fisheries Department, the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, seafood processors, exporters, and all stakeholders for achieving the country’s highest-ever seafood export earnings.
