Pakistan’s vibrant seafood industry has made significant strides in recent years, with mud crabs emerging as a star export product. Pakistani exporters are increasingly focusing on China as a key destination for their high-quality mud crabs, renowned for their rich flavor and succulent meat.
According to Volza’s Pakistan export data, mud crab shipments from Pakistan totaled 5,500 units, exported by 46 Pakistani companies to 122 buyers. Notably, China has emerged as the largest market for these exports, surpassing other destinations such as the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Pakistan is now ranked as the third-largest exporter of mud crabs globally, reflecting the country’s strong position in the international seafood market, Chinese media reported on Tuesday.
The surge in exports to China is attributed to Pakistan’s commitment to quality and the optimization of supply chains. Pakistani exporters have capitalized on the rising demand for premium seafood in China, where mud crabs are highly valued for their culinary appeal and nutritional benefits. “Our average net weight per box is 16 kg. We have exported about 3,000 tons of live mud crabs to China over the last three years,” said Tehseen Patel, CEO of Areeba Enterprises, a leading Pakistani mud crab exporter.
Areeba Enterprises, which began international mud crab exports in 2016, has seen significant success in the Chinese market, driven by a focus on quality control and sustainable fishing practices. According to China’s customs statistics, imports of live, fresh, or chilled mud crabs (Chinese Customs code 030633) from Pakistan have grown significantly. In 2023, China imported mud crabs from Pakistan worth US $42.59 million, up 141% from US $17.66 million in 2020, highlighting the growing demand and market potential.
To meet this demand, Areeba Enterprises has established a robust supply chain, shipping live mud crabs directly to major Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Kunming. The journey from Pakistan to China typically takes 24 to 48 hours, ensuring the freshness and vitality of the crabs upon arrival.
Looking ahead, Tehseen Patel is investing in modernization and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of international buyers. Areeba has launched initiatives to train local fishermen in best practices, invest in state-of-the-art hatcheries and conditioning facilities, and integrate sustainable methods throughout its supply chain.
The Chinese seafood market offers a wide array of products in high demand, including shrimps, fresh and frozen fish (such as ribbonfish, croaker, and mackerel), crabs, lobsters, scallops, and squid. In addition to mud crabs, Areeba Enterprises exports a diverse range of seafood products, including white-leg and tiger shrimps, as well as live lobsters.
The company plans to further expand its footprint in China. “We are committed to diversifying our product range and forging closer strategic partnerships with local distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms. By doing so, we aim not only to satisfy the growing demands of the Chinese market but also to contribute to the sustainable development of Pakistan’s seafood industry,” Tehseen Patel concluded.
