Pakistan’s seafood exports rose by a solid 13.4% during the financial year 2024-25, hitting a total value of $465 million, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Alongside the increase in value, export volume also climbed, reaching 216,350 metric tonnes, reflecting a healthy demand for Pakistani seafood in international markets. Pakistan is focusing on increasing its staple exports globally. Pakistan’s rice exports brought $4 billion in 2024.
The Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA) welcomed the achievement and credited the hardworking fishermen, processors, and exporters for keeping the industry moving forward in the face of adversity. “The credit goes to our people working on the ground, who’ve ensured supply continues despite challenges,” a PFEA representative said.
Strong Export Growth but Major Challenges Remain
While the export figures signal progress, the seafood industry still faces serious hurdles. The shortage of raw material remains a pressing issue. Several processing plants, particularly in Karachi and Gwadar, are operating below capacity due to insufficient seafood supplies.
Another significant concern is the limited access to high-value markets like the European Union and the United States. These trade restrictions prevent Pakistani exporters from tapping into more profitable regions, limiting the full growth potential of the sector.
Despite meeting standards required by many global buyers, Pakistani seafood products face non-tariff barriers and certification challenges that restrict market entry. Industry experts argue that these limitations reduce the competitiveness of local seafood exporters.
Industry Urges Reforms and Diplomatic Push
To unlock the full potential of the sector, the PFEA has called for a multi-pronged strategy. First, it advocates for urgent measures to conserve fish stocks and promote sustainable fishing practices to address raw material shortages. Overfishing and illegal trawling continue to deplete marine life, especially in coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan.
Second, the association emphasized the need for the government to initiate diplomatic efforts aimed at reopening closed markets and building stronger trade ties with key seafood-importing nations.
“The EU and US markets are vital. Gaining access could double our export value and help local processors utilize full capacity,” the PFEA noted.
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A Billion-Dollar Potential
Analysts believe that with better planning, regulatory reform, and international outreach, Pakistan’s seafood exports could exceed $1 billion annually in the near future. The sector also holds strong potential for job creation in coastal communities and economic uplift through value-added processing.
The government’s recent efforts to improve infrastructure, such as cold storage and modern packaging facilities, are steps in the right direction. But industry leaders say policy support, training programs, and international trade agreements will be key to sustaining long-term growth.
