Sesame seed exports to China hit $49 million

Listen to article

BEIJING:

Pakistan's sesame seed exports to China have soared to unprecedented levels, reaching nearly $49 million between January and April 2025. This surge marks a major milestone in the growing agricultural trade between the two countries.

Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, credited the growth to domestic innovation and China's rising demand for quality imports. He praised the contributions of local research institutions, such as the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI) team, for driving productivity through improved seed varieties and advanced farming techniques.

"While supply-side developments such as improved seed varieties and research-led farming techniques have played a vital role, it is China's growing consumer demand, preference for high-quality imports, and competitive pricing that are driving this record-setting trend," he said.

Pakistan's rise in China's sesame import market has been dramatic. In 2019, it ranked 14th with $4.6 million in exports. By 2024, it climbed to third by value at $226.53 million, and second by volume, with 177,640 tonnes exported. From January to April 2025, exports hit 38,828 tonnes, valued at $48.58 million, a 337% year-on-year increase. Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, cited Pakistan's advantage in average export price at $1,300 per tonne, fast 15–20 day transit via sea and land, and 5–10 day processing times.

Hashmi outlined a strategic roadmap to deepen trade ties through better seed quality, value-added processing, expanded e-commerce, and joint ventures. "Our goal must be to move beyond raw exports and tap into China's booming sesame-based product market, valued between $4.7 and $9.5 billion annually," he said. He also highlighted key initiatives, including the September 2024 trade event that secured $28 million in deals and registration of 177 Pakistani sesame companies in China.

"Our sesame trade with China is more than an export story - it's a blueprint for shared prosperity," Hashmi concluded.