Introduction – Current State of Play: The Seafood Sector in Pakistan
If you’re in the seafood business, you already know that this industry doesn’t sit still. As of August 2025, Pakistan’s seafood sector is in flux—shaped by a mix of policy updates, trade shifts, environmental challenges, and unpredictable demand patterns. The government is stepping up reforms, exporters are pushing boundaries, and climate change continues to test the resilience of the entire supply chain.
In April 2025, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry called for tighter collaboration between food security stakeholders and the maritime sector. The goal? Enhancing port infrastructure and logistics to boost both national food security and export potential. This could be a game-changer if implemented effectively.
Speaking of exports, the numbers are promising. Pakistan’s seafood exports saw a 13.4% increase in value, hitting $465 million in FY 2024-25. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Restrictions from top markets like the EU and the U.S. keep shrimp exports pinned down, limiting access to high-value buyers.
Mother Nature isn’t making things easier either. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and heavy monsoon rains are hurting fish populations and disrupting fishing patterns. The River Ravi is under flood watch, and that’s just one example of how extreme weather is shaking up the supply chain.
Meanwhile, global demand is wobbling. China—still the world’s biggest seafood market—is showing signs of a slump, and that ripple effect is being felt across Pakistan. In short, it’s a market on the move, and businesses must stay sharp to survive and thrive.
Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences
Let’s zoom in on what’s really driving the market.
First up, policy. With the government’s new maritime focus, there are fresh opportunities for logistics upgrades and inter-ministerial coordination. If these plans materialize, they could significantly cut down on export delays and improve cold chain logistics—critical for seafood freshness.
Then there’s the export growth. A 13.4% jump isn’t a fluke—it’s a testament to the resilience of Pakistani fishermen and processors. But the big picture is mixed. Market bans from the EU and U.S. on shrimp imports still bite hard, underlining the need for better compliance and certification protocols.
Climate change remains a slow-moving but relentless force. Overfishing has led to a 2% annual drop in capture production over the last two decades. Combine that with rising fuel costs and erratic weather, and you’ve got a costlier, riskier supply chain.
Global demand is another wild card. With China scaling back its imports, Pakistan must diversify its customer base and tailor its offerings to new markets. That’s where data-driven platforms like Freshdi come in handy—by helping businesses track RFQ trends and spot new opportunities in real time.
Top 4 Verified Seafood Suppliers in Pakistan – Adapting to Today’s Market
When the market’s moving this fast, you need suppliers who can keep up. Based on export performance, certifications, Freshdi buyer reviews, and adaptability to current conditions, here are the top 4 seafood suppliers making waves in 2025.
1. Silver Seafood
Silver Seafood has consistently ranked at the top for both domestic and international demand. Known for their premium frozen fish, shrimp, and cuttlefish, they’ve invested heavily in modern processing facilities and meet international HACCP and ISO standards.
They’ve adapted to climate challenges by diversifying their sourcing regions within Pakistan and using GPS-enabled vessels to optimize catch timing. Their Freshdi profile shows strong reviews for reliability and cold chain integrity.
2. Aqua Deep Exports
A rising star in 2025, Aqua Deep focuses on sustainable fishing. They’ve adopted selective fishing gear and support local fishing communities, aligning with global eco-conscious buyer expectations.
They’re currently expanding into Middle Eastern markets to offset declining demand from Asia. Freshdi data shows a 22% spike in RFQs for their products in Q2 2025.
3. Ocean Crown Enterprises
Ocean Crown stands out for its specialization in value-added seafood products like marinated fillets and ready-to-cook items. They’ve capitalized on the growing trend of convenience foods in international markets.
Their export track record is solid, particularly in Gulf countries. With a robust feedback loop on Freshdi, they’re known for fast turnaround times and flexible MOQs.
4. PakMarine Seafood Co.
PakMarine has a strong presence in both wild-caught and aquaculture segments. They’ve recently upgraded their processing plant in Karachi to meet EU standards, signaling a push to lift the shrimp ban.
They are also experimenting with solar-powered cold storage to combat electricity shortages. Their Freshdi RFQ volume has doubled since early 2025, showing growing buyer confidence.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Keep in mind that platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic rankings such as “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter,” which reflect real-time activities, buyer feedback, and RFQ response rates—so the top suppliers can shift based on seasonal and market performance.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Seafood Landscape in Pakistan
So, what does this all mean if you’re sourcing seafood from Pakistan right now?
Let’s start with the risks. Climate unpredictability is the elephant in the room. Flood warnings, especially in central Punjab near River Ravi, could disrupt inland transport networks any day. That means delays, increased spoilage risk, and higher shipping costs.
Then there’s the export bottleneck. With the EU and U.S. still blocking Pakistani shrimp, exporters need to shift focus toward alternative markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and emerging economies in Africa and Central Asia.
But it’s not all gloom. The government’s focus on maritime logistics and food security could unlock better port handling and faster customs processing. If you’re importing in bulk, this could be a major win.
Product-wise, demand is shifting. With Chinese demand cooling, there’s a rising appetite for value-added products and sustainable seafood in Western markets. Think: responsibly caught tuna, ready-to-cook shrimp packs, and organic aquaculture fish.
Your sourcing strategy needs to evolve. Consider working with suppliers who offer traceability, certifications, and flexible packaging options. And use platforms like Freshdi to watch RFQ trends, spot demand spikes, and connect with suppliers who are actively adjusting to today’s challenges.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
Here’s the bottom line: Pakistan’s seafood industry is undergoing a transformation. Export growth is encouraging, but policy hurdles, climate risks, and global demand shifts are making smart sourcing more essential than ever.
To stay competitive:
- Monitor the latest policy and weather developments.
- Diversify your supplier base.
- Focus on sustainable and value-added products.
- Use tools like Freshdi to stay ahead of RFQ trends and supplier performance.
In this environment, responsiveness is your biggest asset. Freshdi empowers you by offering real-time insights, alerts on major market changes, and verified supplier listings tailored to current conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned importer or just dipping your toes into Pakistan’s seafood pool, staying updated is the key to success.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s seafood exports rose 13.4% in FY 2024-25 despite export bans and climate issues.
- Government is prioritizing port upgrades and food security through maritime reforms.
- Top suppliers include Silver Seafood, Aqua Deep Exports, Ocean Crown Enterprises, and PakMarine Seafood Co.
- Climate change and demand downturns in China present ongoing risks.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers track market shifts and connect with adaptive suppliers.
Checklist for Seafood Buyers in 2025
- ✅ Check suppliers’ Freshdi reviews and certifications.
- ✅ Monitor flood warnings and port disruptions.
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with sustainable fishing practices.
- ✅ Request traceability and origin documentation.
- ✅ Align product offerings with current market demand (e.g., value-added seafood).
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s seafood sector could see a pivot toward aquaculture and sustainable fishing as natural stocks decline. Exporters will likely focus on new markets and compliance upgrades.
If recent reforms are fully implemented, the country could finally unlock its potential in premium seafood exports. The question is—will your business be ready to ride that wave?
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi doesn’t just connect you to suppliers—it’s your market radar. With features like:
- Verified supplier profiles with buyer reviews.
- Real-time RFQ trend alerts.
- Supplier performance analytics.
- “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” rankings based on current market activities.
Freshdi turns uncertainty into opportunity. If you’re navigating the Pakistani seafood market in 2025, it’s the smartest tool in your sourcing toolkit.
References
- Minister wants maritime sector, food security stakeholders to collaborate – Dawn
- Pakistan’s seafood exports up 13.4% – Dawn
- Climate change, fuel costs hit fishing industry – AA News
- Marine environmental impact research – Frontiers in Marine Science
- Flood warning on the River Ravi – LinkedIn
FAQs
1. What are the main seafood products exported by Pakistan in 2025?
Pakistan primarily exports frozen fish, shrimp, cuttlefish, and value-added seafood like marinated fillets and breaded fish sticks.
2. Why is there a ban on shrimp imports from Pakistan in the EU and U.S.?
The bans are based on concerns over hygiene standards and lack of traceability. Some suppliers are upgrading facilities to meet EU compliance.
3. How can I find verified seafood suppliers in Pakistan?
Platforms like Freshdi offer verified supplier listings, performance reviews, and buyer feedback to help you make informed choices.
4. What’s the biggest risk when sourcing seafood from Pakistan in 2025?
Flood disruptions, overfishing, and changing global demand patterns pose the biggest risks. Monitoring these factors is crucial.
5. Are there sustainable seafood options available from Pakistan?
Yes, suppliers like Aqua Deep Exports are focusing on eco-friendly fishing practices and traceability, catering to sustainability-focused buyers.
