ISLAMABAD, September 8, 2026: Pakistan’s seafood exports have reached a record $568 million, crossing the $500 million mark for the first time and highlighting the growing potential of the country’s blue economy as a driver of exports and economic growth.
Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad, in a post on X, said Pakistan’s seafood exports had reached their highest-ever level during the last financial year, reflecting significant growth in the sector over the past two years.
According to the figures shared by the finance adviser, seafood exports stood at $406 million in FY2023-24, rising to $489 million in FY2024-25 before reaching $568 million in FY2025-26. This represents an increase of around 40 percent over two years.
The export basket includes a range of marine products. During FY2025-26, frozen fish exports were valued at $105.1 million, followed by squid and cuttlefish at $103.7 million, fishmeal at $83.1 million, shrimp at $62.1 million and crabs at $36.9 million.
Pakistan’s seafood products are exported to a growing number of international markets, including China, Southeast Asia, Gulf countries, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Schehzad said improvements in product quality and access to new markets had created additional opportunities for Pakistani seafood exporters. Pakistan’s presence in the Russian market has also expanded, with 16 Pakistani seafood processing plants approved to export to Russia.
The finance adviser said Pakistan had significant potential to further increase exports through its blue economy, but unlocking this potential would require greater investment in modern processing facilities, value addition, aquaculture and cold-chain infrastructure.
He also stressed the importance of meeting international food safety and hygiene standards and expanding access to new international markets.
The continued growth of seafood exports could provide Pakistan with an important source of foreign exchange while creating opportunities for investment and employment and contributing to the development of the country’s coastal economy.
With its extensive coastline and marine resources, Pakistan’s blue economy offers opportunities beyond traditional seafood exports, particularly through sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, value-added processing and related coastal industries.
The record seafood export performance therefore underscores the need for sustainable management of marine resources alongside investment in technology, infrastructure and market development to ensure that Pakistan’s blue economy can contribute to long-term economic growth.
