Pakistani pink salt finds market in China
A tunnel view inside the salt mines of Khewra, Pakistan on Febraury 7, 2009. Khewra, best known for its salt range and mines, is located nearly 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Islamabad. The Khewra Salt Mines are said to be the second largest salt mine in the world. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
In a significant development, the allure of Pakistani Himalayan pink salt products, such as salt lamps and bath salt, has experienced a notable surge in popularity within China, as reported by Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai, Hussain Haider.
“Pakistan can further expand its export of salt products to China by enhancing its marketing and packaging,” he declared during a recent webinar jointly organised by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), focusing on the promotion of Pakistani pink salt.
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, exports of Pakistani Himalayan pink salt to China reached a remarkable $4.96 million in 2021, followed by a substantial growth to $5.74 milion in 2022, reflecting a remarkable year-on-year increase of 15.68%.
The growth in Pakistani salt exports can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness among Chinese consumers about the health benefits of pink salt, successful marketing campaigns, and the establishment of robust trade partnerships between Pakistani exporters and Chinese importers.
At the webinar, Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, Ismail Suttar highlighted that with the growing popularity of pink salt, the Pakistani government, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, is proactively exploring methods to expand production capacity and enhance infrastructure.
In the first half of this year, Pakistani Himalayan pink salt exports to China reached $2.69 million experiencing a slight decrease of 5% compared to $2.83 million during the same period last year. To combat this dip, approximately 30 companies from China and Pakistan engaged in the webinar to strategise and promote Pakistani pink salt export to China.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2023.
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