Pakistan’s seafood exports to China have seen a remarkable rise in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $153 million, up from $121.93 million during the same period last year, according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Frozen fish remained the top performer, generating $40.10 million from 21.83 million kilograms, compared to $30.19 million last year. Fresh and chilled crab exports also recorded significant growth, reaching $25.68 million from 3.53 million kilograms, up from $22.65 million in 2024. Frozen cuttlefish exports rose to $20.29 million, totalling 8.04 million kilograms, while frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling, and sprats surged to $11.24 million, marking a dramatic jump from just over $3 million the previous year.
China Economic Net (CEN) highlighted that Pakistan’s rise in seafood exports reflects deeper agricultural and fisheries collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Improved cold chain logistics and certification systems have also expanded market access, ensuring product quality and value.
In terms of market position, Pakistan has now surpassed Russia and Indonesia as a key seafood supplier to China, with the latter two exporting seafood worth $8.39 million and $1.33 million, respectively. The introduction of a “green channel” for ice-seafood products has further reinforced freshness and competitiveness.
Pakistan and China’s economic partnership continues to strengthen alongside their security, defence, and diplomatic ties, rooted in decades of agreements, including the Barter Trade Agreement (1963), Machinery and Technical Support Agreement (1966), Trade Protocol (1975), China-Pakistan Border Trade Agreement (1985), and the Technical and Financial Assistance Agreement for the Saindak Mining Project (1984). The bilateral investment protection agreement of 1989 further enabled Chinese companies such as Huawei, Zong, and Haier to establish operations in Pakistan, paving the way for transformative projects like CPEC.
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