Pakistan’s seafood exports witnessed a 13 percent increase, rising to $465 million in FY25, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The reflects an 8pc growth in quantity compared to the previous year. Pakistan exported 216,350 metric tons fishery products in FY2025 compared to 199,738 metric tons worth $410 million in FY24.
The Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA) attributed growth in seafood exports to the resolute endeavors of processors and fishermen who pushed Pakistan’s standing in international markets in spite of unfavorable circumstances.
PFEA Senior Vice Chairman Saeed Fareed identified weak international demand, primarily because of trade bottlenecks and falling consumption in key markets such as China.
He said that restrictions from the US and EU on imports of shrimp have constrained access to top-value markets.
Moreover, the abrupt decline in raw material supply has compelled most seafood processing units to run only at 20–25 percent capacity. Since shrimp landings have been declining for two decades, exports today rely on cuttlefish, squid, and octopus. Fareed called for concerted conservation action and official intervention to achieve full international market access.
