Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China have seen a mega 179.88% increase in the first two months of 2025, signaling strengthening agricultural trade ties between the two nations. The remarkable surge reflects growing Chinese demand for high-quality sesame and Pakistan’s expanding role in the global sesame market.
As per Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing, data from China’s General Administration of Customs depicts that Pakistan exported 22,740.445 metric tons of sesame seeds to China during January and February 2025, earning $28.27 million. This is a massive increase compared to 5,997.744 metric tons worth $10.10 million during the same period last year.
Why Are Pakistan’s Sesame Exports Rising?
Experts attribute this growth to several key factors:
• Pakistan’s favorable climate for sesame cultivation
• Improved farming techniques enhancing yield and quality
• Streamlined trade processes and easier market access under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
• Rising demand in China’s food industry for sesame-based products like oil, snacks, and confectionery
“Pakistan is among the top exporters of sesame seeds to China, benefiting from China’s rapidly expanding food industry and its preference for high-quality agricultural products,” Qadir claimed.
Read more: Pakistan is the 3rd largest sesame exporter with $1 billion in annual exports
Farmers & Exporters are getting benefits from Booming Demand
Rakesh Pal is a leading Pakistani sesame exporter to China, highlighted how meeting international quality standards and guaranteeing better market access have played an important role in this surge. Pakistani officials and trade representatives are actively working to further expand exports, not just for sesame but also for other crops like
- Mangoes
- Citrus fruits
Future Scenario
Market analysts keep on predicting that sesame seed exports of Pak to China will continue to rise, indebted to increasing demand for sesame oil, tahini, and other sesame-based products. As China remains the world’s largest importer of sesame seeds, Pakistan’s expanding footprint in this sector is presenting a golden opportunity for farmers, exporters and stakeholders in the country’s agricultural industry.
With strong trade facilitation under CPEC, Pakistan’s agricultural exports are anticipated to flourish, further strengthening economic ties with China and improving the living standards of Pakistani farmers.