Pakistan sesame exports to China soar 337% year-on-year marking significant achievement for the bilateral trade between two nations.
Pakistan’s exports of sesame seeds to China soared to nearly $49 million from January to April 2025, marking a notable achievement in agricultural trade between the two nations.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi credited this growth to both domestic advancements and increasing demand from Chinese consumers for premium-quality imports. He pointed out the key role of local research bodies like the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI) in enhancing seed quality and farming practices.
He emphasized that while improvements in production have been vital, surging demand in China, combined with a focus on quality and cost-effective pricing, has been instrumental in this rapid expansion.
Pakistan’s role in China’s sesame market has strengthened significantly, climbing from the 14th largest supplier in 2019 (with $4.6 million in exports) to the third largest by value in 2024 at $226.53 million, and second by volume. In the first four months of 2025 alone, exports reached 38,828 tons worth $48.58 million – a 337% increase compared to the same period last year.
Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of the Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, underlined Pakistan’s market edge with an average price of $1,300 per ton and rapid sea and land delivery within 15–20 days. He added that orders can be processed and shipped in as little as 5 days, up to 110 days, giving buyers flexibility.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Hashmi discussed plans to strengthen trade by improving seed genetics, encouraging value-added production, broadening e-commerce, and promoting joint ventures. He stressed the importance of transitioning from raw exports to tapping into China’s thriving sesame product market, estimated between $4.7 and $9.5 billion annually.
Hashmi also referenced the embassy’s initiatives, including a successful trade event in September 2024 that led to $28 million in deals and the registration of 177 Pakistani sesame exporters in China.
He concluded by stating that Pakistan’s sesame trade with China represents more than just commercial success—it’s a model for mutual economic progress.
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