Pakistan’s salt industry is enjoying a major boost, with exports to China surging by an impressive 40 percent in the first quarter of 2025. As per the official data released by the General Administration of Customs of China, the volume of salt exports from Pakistan to China reached over 13.64 million kgs between January and March, producing $1.83 million in revenue.
This is a massive increase from the same period in 2024, when salt exports mounted up to $1.30 million. The sharp growth is being commended as a promising sign of Pakistan’s expanding footprint in international markets, specifically under the growing trade umbrella of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Why this Surge?
There are various factors involved in this upward trend. Trade experts and industry analysts point to
- Enhanced logistics
- Better quality control measures
- More competitive pricing by Pakistani exporters
These improvements have made it comfortable and more appealing for Chinese buyers to source salt from Pakistan.
Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at PK’s Embassy in Beijing, explained that Pakistan’s salt exports to China range over three main categories: edible salt, pure sodium chloride, and other industrial-grade variants.
This diversity in offerings is assisting Pakistan tap into different sectors of China’s rapidly growing economy.
Read more: Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China almost triple in first two months of 2025
China’s Demands for Salt Increasing
China’s expanding industrial base, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food processing, has led to a sharp increase in demand for various types of salt.
This growing requirement is providing countries like Pakistan with remarkable opportunities to align this demand via exports.
A senior official from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan called the development a “positive indicator” of the ability of PK to adapt to international market standards. He emphasized that it not only reflects the country’s production capabilities but also its capacity to expand exports in value-added segments.
Strengthening Trade Ties with China
This massive growth in salt exports also ties in with the broader vision of enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and China under the CPEC framework.
As both countries continue to invest in infrastructure, trade, and connectivity, sectors like salt and other raw materials are gaining momentum.
For Pakistan, the increase in salt exports is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of improving trade practices, growing international trust, and a strong step toward economic diversification.