Pakistan’s seafood exports to China saw impressive growth during the first half of 2025, with several product categories experiencing a notable rise in demand, as per data from the General Administration of Customs of China.

A key driver of this growth was frozen fish (HS Code 03038990), with exports reaching $27.51 million in H1 2025—marking a 26% increase from the $21.88 million exported during the same period in 2024. Pakistan exported 15.47 million kilograms at an average rate of $1.77 per kilogram.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, other seafood types also showed strong performance. Frozen cuttlefish exports totaled $14.31 million from 5.76 million kilograms. Chilled crab exports grew by 12% to $12.85 million. Frozen octopus exports jumped by 63%, rising from $5.53 million to $9.018 million.

Frozen sardines, sardinella, and brisling stood out with a dramatic 340% rise in export value, increasing from $1.70 million to $7.49 million. With 12.39 million kilograms exported, Pakistan became the leading supplier of this category to China.

These statistics reflect the strengthening marine trade between the two countries. In a move to build on this momentum, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, held talks with Pakistan Fisheries Association Chairman Saeed Ahmed Fareed to explore ways to enhance seafood exports and modernize the sector through collaboration with Chinese firms. The Ambassador also engaged with a Chinese seafood company to deepen cooperation.

In a tweet, Ambassador Hashmi noted that the discussions would help explore mutually beneficial joint ventures in Pakistan’s vital fisheries sector.