By Abdul Rasheed Azad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 seafood exports with 20.5 percent increase during 2024-25 has reached $489.2 million against $406 million of the past year which is the second highest volume behind $496 million in 2022-23.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, while sharing the details of Pakistan鈥檚 seafood exports during 2024鈥25 here on Monday, said that China retained its position as the top importer, purchasing over 99,238 metric tons of seafood worth $186 million.
Thailand followed as the second-largest destination, importing seafood valued at $105.7 million. Other key markets included the UAE, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Indonesia which reflects Pakistan鈥檚 wide and diversified global outreach.
Lauding the Marine Fisheries Department鈥檚 seafood annual export progress, the minister attributed this strong performance to enhanced regulatory measures, export diversification, and sustained international demand.
Chaudhry highlighted the sector鈥檚 growth in export volumes, which rose by 19.8 percent to 242,484 metric tons, up from 202,400 metric tons in FY 2023鈥24. He said this volume growth reflects the sector鈥檚 expanding production capacity and growing presence in global markets.
The export value to the European Union surged by 44.4 percent to $13 million. The minister said this shift points to Pakistan鈥檚 strategic focus on premium, high-value seafood products tailored to EU preferences, where quality and sustainability increasingly influence demand.
The Marine Fisheries Department鈥檚 report also detailed the product segments driving this growth. Fish meal led with 79,090 metric tons valued at $160 million, followed by frozen fish $103.11 million, shrimps $61.4 million, crabs $29.68 million, and mackerels $23 million.
Other exported species included sole, jellyfish, skates, and eels.
Chaudhry also noted a major boost in non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector, which jumped by 131.68 percent, from Rs101 million in FY 2023鈥24 to Rs 234 million in 2024鈥25.
This increase, the minister said, reflects improved regulatory oversight and more efficient fee collection mechanisms implemented over the past year.
鈥淭his consistent upward trend is not just about rising trade figures; it鈥檚 also about better governance and stronger institutions,鈥 the federal minister remarked. 鈥淥ur regulatory reforms and sustainable practices are driving tangible results.鈥
He emphasised that the government鈥檚 continued investment in infrastructure, adherence to international standards, and commitment to responsible fishing are central to this progress. Efforts to modernise processing facilities and tap into emerging markets are expected to further enhance Pakistan鈥檚 competitiveness on the global stage, he added.
Looking forward, Chaudhry reaffirmed the government鈥檚 dedication to building on this momentum. Future plans include upgrading export infrastructure, encouraging responsible resource management, and exploring untapped markets to cement Pakistan鈥檚 growing role in the global seafood trade.
The fiscal year 2024鈥25 stands as a landmark for Pakistan鈥檚 fisheries industry, with solid achievements in both quantity and value. These gains not only strengthen the national economy but also underline Pakistan鈥檚 readiness to meet evolving global demands through sustainable and quality-driven practices, the minister stated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025