Pakistan’s seafood exports to China climbed to nearly $255 million in 2025, reflecting a strong upward trajectory as demand expanded beyond traditional frozen fish into higher-value and processed seafood products.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Pakistan is steadily broadening its presence across the Chinese market, supplying not only major coastal trading hubs but also fast-growing inland consumption centres.

While frozen fish remained the single largest export category, generating approximately $64.6 million, the overall export mix has diversified significantly. Rising demand from foodservice operators, seafood processors, and convenience-focused retailers has supported a wider range of products.

Southern Guangdong emerged as the leading destination for Pakistani frozen fish, importing 8.48 million kilograms valued at $15.7 million. Shandong and Beijing followed closely, each receiving more than 7 million kilograms, while Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang also recorded healthy import volumes.

Collectively, these ports and metropolitan regions continue to anchor China’s frozen seafood imports, underscoring the importance of large urban markets. At the same time, exports extended deeper into inland provinces including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, indicating an expanding distribution footprint supported by improved cold-chain logistics.

Cephalopods emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments. Exports of frozen cuttlefish and squid rose to nearly $31 million, while frozen octopus shipments approached $12 million, driven largely by catering chains and ready-to-cook seafood processors seeking versatile inputs.

Lower-priced pelagic species also gained traction, with exports of frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling, and sprats generating around $14.9 million. Demand in this segment was supported by household consumption and large-scale food manufacturers targeting mass-market offerings.

Further highlighting the shift toward value addition, Pakistan exported roughly $14.4 million each under China Customs categories classified as “fish” and “fish products.” These trends align closely with China’s expanding convenience food, e-commerce, and ready-to-eat seafood segments, strengthening Pakistan’s position in the evolving Chinese seafood market.