Pakistan’s seafood exports climbed to a record $568 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, despite regional trade and maritime logistics disruptions, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday.
In a statement, the minister attributed the milestone to the government’s efforts to strengthen the blue economy, expand seafood exports and ensure compliance with international food safety and quality standards. He said the achievement demonstrated the resilience of Pakistan’s fisheries sector and the continued commitment of exporters and regulatory authorities.
Chaudhry said frozen fish remained the country’s top seafood export, generating $105.09 million in earnings. It was followed by frozen squid and cuttlefish at $103.71 million, fish meal at $83.12 million, shrimps at $62.14 million, crabs at $36.89 million, sardines at $30.62 million, mackerels at $22.67 million, flat fish at $17.24 million, octopus at $15.18 million and minced fish meat (surimi) at $14.63 million.
He said Pakistan’s seafood products were exported primarily to China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United States.
The minister said the record export performance had been achieved despite challenges arising from the evolving situation in the Gulf region, which affected regional trade routes and maritime logistics.
Chaudhry commended Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan and the Marine Fisheries Department for maintaining international quality standards, strengthening regulatory oversight and facilitating greater access to global export markets.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the sector, the minister said efforts would continue to enhance quality assurance mechanisms, diversify export destinations, promote value-added seafood products and improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s fisheries industry.
He also announced that a performance review ceremony would be held in the near future, during which the country’s top 10 fisheries exporters would receive certificates of appreciation from the prime minister.
Chaudhry congratulated the Marine Fisheries Department, the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, seafood processors, exporters and other stakeholders for achieving the record export milestone.