Pakistani aquatic products, especially hairtail (a type of ribbonfish), are gaining significant popularity in the Chinese market. According to recent data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), imports of frozen hairtail (HS Code 03038910) from Pakistan surged by 27.6% in 2024, reaching USD 3.57 million, compared to USD 2.79 million in 2023.
Jessie Hao, International Trade Manager at Prestige International Trading Co., Ltd., attributed this growth to China’s high demand for premium seafood, with annual consumption of hairtail alone nearing 1 million tons. Pakistani exporters are capitalizing on this demand by offering a diverse range of nutritious aquatic products that cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers. Prestige International Trading, which has managed the Pakistan National Pavilion on JD.com for three years, has recently expanded its range to include seafood. The company’s first shipment, which consisted of 53 tons of frozen hairtail and 22 tons of frozen shrimp, was shipped from Karachi Port to Qingdao Port. These products are now sold through various offline outlets, such as restaurants, canteens, hotels, and wholesalers. Moving forward, Prestige plans to introduce smaller retail packs of shrimp for online sales, tapping into China’s rapidly expanding e-commerce market.
Pakistani hairtail is especially favored for its tender texture and delicate taste. Hao added, “The fish’s silvery appearance and transparent corneas make it visually appealing. Its firm muscle structure and larger size are particularly appealing to Chinese consumers who prefer bigger fish fillets.” With competitive prices and high quality, Pakistani hairtail is addressing a notable market gap.
Besides hairtail, Hao noted that other premium Pakistani seafood products, such as shrimp, lobster, black tiger prawn, and grouper, are also in demand among Chinese consumers. Currently, 307 Pakistani aquatic companies are registered with the GACC for exports to China, some of which have been active in the market since 2018.
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