Pakistan: Frozen Whole Fish Market 2025

Frozen Whole Fish Market Size in Pakistan

In 2021, the Pakistani frozen whole fish market increased by 66% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, consumption posted a tangible increase. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Frozen Whole Fish Production in Pakistan

In value terms, frozen whole fish production expanded remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Frozen Whole Fish Exports

Exports from Pakistan

In 2021, shipments abroad of frozen whole fish decreased by -33.9% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports recorded a mild downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 39%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen whole fish exports reduced sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 34%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for frozen whole fish exports from Pakistan, with a 47% share of total exports. Moreover, frozen whole fish exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Thailand (X tons), threefold. Indonesia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to China stood at +12.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Thailand (+1.5% per year) and Indonesia (+9.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for frozen whole fish exports from Pakistan, comprising 47% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Thailand ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by Malaysia, with an 8.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China stood at +11.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Thailand (+2.5% per year) and Malaysia (-5.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen whole fish export price amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a mild curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average export price increased by 14%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Whole Fish Imports

Imports into Pakistan

In 2021, overseas purchases of frozen whole fish increased by 203% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 244%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen whole fish imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, faced a sharp downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 320%. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Vietnam (X tons), Myanmar (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the main suppliers of frozen whole fish imports to Pakistan.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +20.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Myanmar ($X) appeared to be the largest frozen whole fish suppliers to Pakistan, with a combined 99.9% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, the United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of +14.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average frozen whole fish import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -56.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 24% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the price for Myanmar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-5.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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