Pakistan’s fish and seafood exports have crossed the $500 million mark for the first time in the country’s history, marking a major achievement for the maritime and fisheries sector. Officials credited the milestone to reforms, improved quality standards, and expansion into new international markets.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the export target was achieved 46 days before the end of the fiscal year, reflecting strong growth in Pakistan’s blue economy. He noted that better facilitation, modernisation of the fisheries sector, and improved access to overseas markets played a key role in boosting exports.

According to official figures, seafood exports during July–December of FY2025–26 reached 122,629 metric tonnes worth $253.24 million, showing strong year-on-year growth in both volume and value. Frozen fish remained the top export category, followed by shrimps, prawns, and frozen cuttlefish. China remained Pakistan’s largest seafood buyer, accounting for nearly 59% of total exports.

Officials also highlighted Pakistan’s entry into the Russian seafood market, with 16 Pakistani companies now authorised to export there. The government expects this access to open up further opportunities in Eurasian markets and potentially raise annual seafood exports to $800 million.

To support long-term growth, the government has announced plans for a 100-acre seafood processing and export zone at Korangi Fisheries Harbour, aimed at improving value-added processing, cold storage, and export-grade packaging infrastructure.