ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China recorded a strong growth of around 24% during the first eleven months of 2025, rising to approximately $235.7 million compared with $188.95 million in the same period last year, according to figures released by China’s General Administration of Customs.
The increase reflects rising demand in China for fish, crab, cuttlefish and other seafood products, supported by improvements in Pakistan’s export logistics, quality standards and certification processes.
Although seafood remains a relatively small part of Pakistan’s overall export basket, it continues to show steady expansion. During the full fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan’s total seafood exports reached about $489.2 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.5%. China emerged as the largest single buyer, importing seafood worth nearly $186 million, significantly ahead of Thailand, which imported around $105.7 million.
Seafood Exports to China Surge 24%
In contrast, Pakistan’s total merchandise exports—including major sectors such as textiles, rice and leather—are valued in the tens of billions of dollars. Provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics indicate that exports during July–March of FY2024–25 stood at roughly $24.7 billion, compared with about $22.9 billion in the same period of the previous year.
Despite its growth, the seafood sector accounts for only about 1.5–2% of Pakistan’s total merchandise exports. However, China’s share of around 38% of Pakistan’s seafood export value highlights its position as the dominant destination.
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Industry sources attribute the surge to better cold-chain infrastructure, improved compliance with international standards and enhanced market access under broader trade cooperation initiatives, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Rising demand from China’s expanding middle-income population for frozen and chilled seafood has further boosted shipments.
Exporters note that while seafood is not yet a major contributor to overall export earnings, its rapid growth in key markets such as China provides valuable diversification beyond traditional export sectors. Sustained momentum, they say, will depend on continued upgrades in processing standards and access to new international markets.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
