Pakistan’s fisheries exports to China surged past $149 million in the first half of the current fiscal year (July-December FY25-26), accounting for nearly 60% of the country’s total seafood exports, as rising Chinese demand drove strong overall growth in the sector, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Friday, according to Gwadar Pro.

Reviewing the performance of the fisheries sector, the minister said China remained Pakistan’s largest export destination for seafood, reflecting sustained demand for frozen fish, shrimp and other value-added products in the Chinese market. Overall fisheries exports during the first six months of the fiscal year reached $253 million, with export volumes exceeding 122,000 metric tons, according to official figures shared by the ministry. Exports to China alone accounted for about 59% of total earnings during the period.

Chaudhry said exports of shrimp and prawns generated more than $40 million, while cuttlefish exports earned $36 million, with a significant share of these shipments destined for China. He added that demand for frozen fish continued to rise in international markets, particularly across East Asia. Thailand ranked as the second-largest importer of Pakistani fisheries products after China, the minister said. Exports peaked during November and December, indicating improved processing capacity and better market access, he added.

The minister said the fisheries sector plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing to employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. He emphasized that strengthening trade ties with China, especially under regional and bilateral frameworks, remains a key priority for expanding seafood exports. Chaudhry said the government is working to improve quality standards, cold-chain infrastructure and regulatory compliance to further boost exports to China and other major markets.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China