Pakistan seafood exports jump 74% in first quarter

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Seafood exports reach $125.4m, govt seeks greater access to major international markets

Pakistan’s seafood exports recorded a sharp increase during the first quarter of the fiscal year, rising by 74.4% as the fisheries sector continued to expand its presence in international markets.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said seafood exports reached $125.4 million during the period, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy.

According to Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, exports of fish and other seafood products increased by 74.4% during the first quarter.

Fish exports totaled 61,679 metric tons during the period, reflecting a significant increase in the volume of seafood products being shipped to international markets.

The minister said the overall volume of seafood exports has increased by 74.8% over the past three years, underlining the sector’s sustained growth.

The fisheries sector generated $568 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, further highlighting its importance to Pakistan’s export economy.

The latest increase in seafood exports comes as the government seeks to expand market opportunities for Pakistani fisheries products and improve access to international buyers.

Chaudhry described gaining access to the Russian market as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s fisheries sector.

The development is expected to provide Pakistani seafood exporters with another important destination and create opportunities to increase exports and diversify international markets.

The federal minister said facilitating access for Pakistani seafood products to the European Union market is now a key government objective.

He said measures would be taken to facilitate Pakistan’s entry into the EU seafood market, potentially creating further opportunities for exporters and supporting continued growth in the fisheries sector.

The government’s focus on the EU market comes as Pakistan records strong growth in seafood exports and looks to build on the sector’s gains in both export volume and earnings.

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