Rice Exports See Record Growth
Pakistan’s rice exports to China climbed nearly 70% in the first eight months of 2025, reaching $44.31 million compared with $26.30 million last year, according to Chinese customs data. The rise underscores Pakistan’s growing role in China’s food market and reflects deeper bilateral agricultural cooperation.
Semi-Milled and Broken Rice Drive Momentum
Semi- and wholly milled rice (HS code 10063020) led the surge, generating $33.67 million in export revenue versus just $5.63 million in 2024. Broken rice also contributed significantly, with earnings rising to $7.71 million. Analysts attribute the demand to competitive pricing, quality, and improved facilitation under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.
Challenges and Long-Term Strategy
Despite the positive trend, experts warn that recent floods have damaged crops, potentially slowing exports in the coming months. Industry leaders suggest Pakistan should move toward value-added agricultural products, adopting artificial intelligence and modern farming techniques, while learning from China’s proven agricultural practices.
Reviving Flaxseed Cultivation with Chinese Support
Alongside rice, collaborative research is helping revive flaxseed production in Pakistan. A field trial in Sindh, conducted by the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), tested three Chinese varieties, Longya-10, Longya-14, and Longxuan-1, against Pakistan’s local Ilsi-90.
Results showed that Longya-14 excelled, with yields reaching 1,089.3 kg/ha, seed weight of 7.5g per 1,000 seeds, and oil content at 40.12%. This marks a significant improvement compared to Pakistan’s average yield of 692 kg/ha, raising hopes of narrowing the productivity gap with China and Canada.
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