By Farooq Awan

Pakistan's fisheries sector is gaining renewed access to international markets as exports to the European Union (EU) resume and trade opportunities with China continue to expand, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.

The survey highlights a series of developments that have improved the export prospects of Pakistan's seafood industry, which remains an important source of foreign exchange earnings and coastal livelihoods.

According to the report, Pakistani seafood exports have benefited from improved compliance with international quality and safety standards, helping the country strengthen its position in export markets.

A major achievement cited in the survey is the successful maintenance of export standards for the European market. Following the resumption of exports to EU countries, several consignments of fish, cuttlefish and shrimps were sent from four companies. These shipments successfully cleared 100% of laboratory analysis at the EU border.

The report notes that compliance with stringent EU food safety requirements is essential for maintaining access to the European seafood market.

In addition to progress in Europe, Pakistan is also expanding its presence in the Chinese market.

According to the survey, 174 fish processing plants have been enlisted with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, enabling a larger number of Pakistani exporters to access China's seafood market.

The expansion of approved processing plants is expected to boost export capacity and strengthen bilateral trade in fisheries products.

China has emerged as one of Pakistan's top buyers of fish and fisheries products, along with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Japan.

The survey notes that improving market access is particularly important for Pakistan's fisheries industry, which supports food security, employment and sustainable resource management.

Fishing, fish processing, transportation, cold storage and export operations collectively provide employment and income opportunities for families linked to the sector.

According to the report, the government continues to focus on improving the fisheries sector and boosting exports through various initiatives, including strengthening extension services, introducing innovative fishing methods, developing value-added products, increasing per capita fish consumption, enhancing socio-economic conditions for fishermen, and reviewing the deep-sea fishing policy of 2018.

Strengthening export certification mechanisms can help improve the reputation of Pakistani seafood products and reduce the risk of shipment rejections.

The survey highlights that rising global demand for seafood has supported growth in Pakistan's export of fish and fisheries products.

Pakistan exported 199.9 thousand metric tonnes of fish and fisheries products during July-March FY2026, earning $405.1 million in export revenue. Of this, exports to the EU stood at 1.97 thousand metric tonnes, valued at $9.1 million, while non-EU exports stood at 198.0 thousand metric tonnes, valued at $396.0 million.

Pakistan's extensive coastline and marine resources provide the foundation for further growth in fisheries production and exports. The report notes that increased investment in cold-chain infrastructure, processing facilities and value-added seafood products could help the sector capture higher export revenues in the future.

According to the Ministry of Finance, export diversification remains a key economic objective, and fisheries offer potential for generating additional foreign exchange earnings while supporting coastal economic development.

The survey emphasizes that continued compliance with international standards will be critical for sustaining access to premium export markets and enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistan's seafood industry.

With renewed access to EU markets, expanded processing-plant enlistment with China, improved quality compliance and export earnings of $405.1 million during July-March FY2026, Pakistan's fisheries sector is positioning itself for greater participation in global seafood trade.

Credit: INP-WealthPk