Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Pakistan\u2019s seafood exports reached a remarkable USD 489.2 million in the fiscal year 2024\u201325, marking a 20.5% increase from the previous year\u2019s USD 406 million.
\nLauding the Marine Fisheries Department\u2019s seafood annual export progress report on Monday, the minister attributed this strong performance to enhanced regulatory measures, export diversification, and sustained international demand, said a press release.
\nChina retained its position as the top importer, purchasing over 99,238 metric tons of seafood worth USD 186 million. Thailand followed as the second-largest destination, importing seafood valued at USD 105.7 million. Other key markets included the UAE, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Indonesia\u2014reflecting Pakistan\u2019s wide and diversified global outreach.<\/p>\n
Minister Junaid Chaudhry highlighted the sector\u2019s growth in export volumes, which rose by 19.8% to 242,484 metric tons, up from 202,400 metric tons in FY 2023\u201324. He said this volume growth reflects the sector\u2019s expanding production capacity and growing presence in global markets.
\nThe export value to the European Union surged by 44.4% to USD 13 million. The minister said this shift points to Pakistan\u2019s strategic focus on premium, high-value seafood products tailored to EU preferences, where quality and sustainability increasingly influence demand.
\nThe Marine Fisheries Department\u2019s report also detailed the product segments driving this growth. Fish meal led with 79,090 metric tons valued at USD 160 million, followed by frozen fish (USD 103.11 million), shrimps (USD 61.4 million), crabs (USD 29.68 million), and mackerels (USD 23 million). Other exported species included sole, jellyfish, skates, and eels.
\nJunaid Anwar Chaudhry also noted a major boost in non-tax revenue from the fisheries sector, which jumped by 131.68%, from PKR 101 million in FY 2023\u201324 to PKR 234 million in FY 2024\u201325. This increase, the minister said, reflects improved regulatory oversight and more efficient fee collection mechanisms implemented over the past year.
\n\u201cThis consistent upward trend is not just about rising trade figures; it\u2019s also about better governance and stronger institutions,\u201d the federal minister remarked. \u201cOur regulatory reforms and sustainable practices are driving tangible results.\u201d
\nHe emphasized that the government\u2019s continued investment in infrastructure, adherence to international standards, and commitment to responsible fishing are central to this progress. Efforts to modernize processing facilities and tap into emerging markets are expected to further enhance Pakistan\u2019s competitiveness on the global stage, he added.
\nLooking forward, Minister Chaudhry reaffirmed the government\u2019s dedication to building on this momentum. Future plans include upgrading export infrastructure, encouraging responsible resource management, and exploring untapped markets to cement Pakistan\u2019s growing role in the global seafood trade.
\nThe fiscal year 2024\u201325 stands as a landmark for Pakistan\u2019s fisheries industry, with solid achievements in both quantity and value. These gains not only strengthen the national economy but also underline Pakistan\u2019s readiness to meet evolving global demands through sustainable and quality-driven practices, the minister stated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Pakistan\u2019s seafood exports reached a remarkable USD 489.2 million in the fiscal year 2024\u201325, marking a 20.5% increase from the previous year\u2019s USD 406 million. Lauding the Marine Fisheries Department\u2019s seafood annual export progress report on Monday, the minister attributed this strong performance to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":485707,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-488727","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n