Pakistan’s fisheries industry has shown strong export-led growth, reflecting improving market access, regulatory reforms, and policy support. Fish exports in November 2025 was more than USD 18 million compared to last month an increment of over USD 1 million, while overall exports from the fisheries sector have expanded by nearly 40 percent over the past two years, highlighting the sector’s rising contribution to the national economy.
Export data from recent years underline this upward trend. During FY 2023–24, Pakistan exported fish valued at USD 406 million to international markets. In FY 2024–25, fish exports rose significantly to USD 489 million. Export growth has continued at a similar pace during the current fiscal year, indicating sustained international demand for Pakistani seafood.
A major development in 2025 was Pakistan’s breakthrough in accessing the United States market for fish exports. After achieving compliance with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act, Pakistan became eligible to export fish to the US. This long-standing issue, which had remained unresolved since 2018, was successfully addressed this year, opening a high-value export destination for the country’s fisheries sector.
Progress has also been made in shrimp exports to the United States. Pakistan is expected to receive approval to export shrimp to the US by mid-next year, which could further boost export revenues and strengthen the country’s position in premium seafood markets.
Another significant milestone achieved this year is the resolution of the long-pending issue of deep-sea fishing licenses. The government has approved the issuance of these licenses, ending a prolonged delay and enabling the expansion of deep-sea fishing activities under a regulated framework.
In addition, the Government of Pakistan has formulated the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy during the current year. The policy is designed to strengthen the fisheries sector by covering the entire value chain, from capture fisheries to aquaculture. It aims to promote sustainable growth, improve productivity, and enhance export competitiveness across the industry.
