Pakistan’s seafood exports rose 34% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, reaching $125.4 million, Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said Monday.
Exports stood at $93.28 million during the same period last year. The latest increase highlights the growing economic potential of Pakistan’s marine fisheries sector.
Export Volume Shows Strong Growth
Seafood export volumes have also increased sharply over the past three years.
Pakistan exported 35,294 metric tons of fish and seafood in the first quarter of 2024-25. The volume rose to 43,995 metric tons in the same period of 2025-26.
Exports reached 61,679 metric tons during the first quarter of 2026-27, according to the minister.
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Chaudhry said the fisheries sector plays an important role in Pakistan’s coastal economy. It supports fishing communities and generates foreign exchange through marine exports.
New Markets Support Fisheries Sector
The minister praised the Marine Fisheries Department for achieving record export earnings of $568 million in fiscal year 2025-26.
He also highlighted the opening of new international markets. Russia was among the markets identified as a significant development for Pakistan’s seafood industry.
Pakistan has also taken steps to resume shrimp exports to the United States. The government is working to revive the fishing licensing system in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Chaudhry said these measures could support the sustainable use of Pakistan’s marine resources.
Focus on EU Seafood Market
The minister stressed the need to remove institutional and technical barriers facing the fisheries industry.
He said Pakistan must improve its capacity to access lucrative seafood markets, particularly in the European Union.
Chaudhry also called for the revival of the Marine Fisheries Department’s Fisheries Training Centre.
He said the centre could help develop skilled workers and improve technical standards. It could also help the industry meet international fisheries and seafood safety requirements.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the fisheries sector.
He said Pakistan would focus on sustainable marine resources, wider market access and higher export earnings.
The government aims to increase the fisheries sector’s contribution to Pakistan’s economy through stronger production, training and international market access.
