Official Trade Data Differs from Government’s Earlier Seafood Export Estimate
Official trade statistics released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) show that Pakistan earned $482.078 million from seafood exports during FY2025–26, a figure lower than the $568 million previously announced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The difference of nearly $86 million has prompted discussion within the fisheries sector about the use of preliminary estimates in official announcements. Industry representatives and former officials have emphasized the importance of consistent reporting between the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Earlier Estimate Highlighted Record Performance
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs had earlier described seafood exports as reaching a record level, attributing the performance to reforms under Pakistan’s Blue Economy strategy and stronger exports to key international markets, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States.
However, the final PBS data presents a different picture.
PBS Data Shows Moderate Growth
According to the PBS, Pakistan exported 215,170 metric tons of fish and seafood products worth $482.078 million during FY2025–26. In the previous fiscal year, the country exported 216,482 metric tons valued at $465.4 million.
The figures indicate that export earnings increased by approximately 3.6%, while export volume declined by around 1% compared with the previous year. This reflects steady growth in export value despite a slight decrease in shipment volume.
June Exports Declined
PBS data also shows a slowdown in June 2026. During the month, Pakistan exported 15,770 metric tons of seafood worth approximately $36.7 million, compared with $51.9 million in May.
Compared with June 2025, export volumes declined by 11.25%, while export earnings were down by 3.31%.
Difference Explained by Reporting Methods
Former Marine Fisheries Department Director General Israr Pathan said the difference is largely due to how export figures are recorded.
According to him, the Marine Fisheries Department compiles data based on export certificates issued before shipments leave the country, while the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics records completed trade transactions. As a result, PBS figures are considered the country’s official and final trade statistics.
Industry observers believe the ministry’s earlier announcement was based on preliminary certification data or projected shipments rather than finalized export records.
Importance of Accurate Trade Reporting
PBS data indicates that seafood exports totaled around $445 million during the first 11 months of FY2025–26. Based on these figures, June exports would have needed to exceed $122 million to reach the previously announced total of $568 million. Instead, official PBS statistics recorded June exports at approximately $36.7 million.
Exporters say accurate and consistent trade data is important for maintaining confidence among international buyers, financial institutions, and trading partners. They added that while seafood exports continued to show positive growth during FY2025–26, coordinated reporting across government institutions remains essential for transparency and informed economic planning.
