ISLAMABAD:
The marine fisheries sector posted a powerful development within the first half of fiscal yr 2025-26, with seafood exports rising to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at $253.24 million.
Commenting on the info launched by the Marine Fisheries Division, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry mentioned on Friday that the efficiency displays the rising competitiveness of Pakistan’s marine fisheries in world markets, noting sustained export momentum all through the Jul-Dec 2025 interval.
In contrast with the corresponding interval of FY 2024-25, when exports stood at 102,942.05 metric tons value $208.25 million, the sector recorded a rise of 19.1% in quantity and 21.6% in worth.
The federal minister described fisheries as a significant pillar of the nationwide maritime financial system, supporting a whole lot of hundreds of livelihoods amongst coastal communities alongside the Arabian Sea, notably in Sindh and Balochistan. Traditionally contributing round 1% to the gross home product (GDP), the sector has rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions by means of expanded processing capability, improved cold-chain logistics and stricter certification aligned with worldwide requirements.
In keeping with the info, frozen fish remained the main export class, accounting for 26,669.37 metric tons valued at $53.33 million. Shrimps and prawns adopted with earnings of $40.46 million, whereas different merchandise together with shrimp and fish meal additionally contributed to greater export receipts, underscoring diversification and development in value-added processing.
China retained its place as Pakistan’s largest export vacation spot, importing greater than 83,602 metric tons value $149.2 million, practically 59% of whole seafood exports, pushed by regular demand for high-quality frozen merchandise. Thailand ranked second with imports valuing at $31.3 million, primarily shrimps and prawns, supported by Pakistan’s HACCP-certified processing requirements.
The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan adopted, with rising shipments of fish and fish meal. The minister added that market diversification efforts have additionally expanded exports to the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kuwait and the USA.
Month-to-month export figures confirmed constant development, peaking at $56.42 million in November and $55 million in December, aided by seasonal demand and logistical enhancements. Non-tax income from the fisheries sector elevated to Rs127.7 million (roughly $460,000), up from Rs118 million a yr earlier.
The maritime minister attributed the good points to authorities initiatives, together with collaboration with the Worldwide Maritime Organisation (IMO) on sustainable fishing practices and investments in port infrastructure at Karachi and Gwadar.
“These developments sign the fisheries sector’s rising contribution to international trade earnings and financial stability,” he mentioned, whereas stressing the necessity for strict regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing to guard marine biodiversity.
He acknowledged the continuing challenges akin to climate-related impacts on migratory species, however famous that rising instruments like eDNA monitoring and broader blue financial system methods are gaining momentum as Pakistan aligns with IMO conventions and strengthens regional cooperation.
