Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China have soared to unprecedented levels, reaching $48.58 million in just the first four months of 2025, marking a staggering 337% year-on-year increase. This surge underscores Pakistan’s growing strength in agricultural exports and its evolving trade relationship with China.
A Dramatic Climb in the Chinese Market
In just five years, Pakistan has transformed its position in China’s sesame import market—from 14th place in 2019 with exports of $4.6 million to 3rd by value in 2024, clocking $226.53 million, and 2nd by volume with 177,640 tonnes exported.
From January to April 2025 alone, Pakistan exported 38,828 tonnes of sesame seeds worth nearly $49 million, continuing its sharp upward trajectory.
The Role of Research & Innovation
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi attributes this success to domestic advancements led by institutions like the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI).
“Improved seed varieties and research-led farming techniques have driven supply-side improvements,” said Hashmi.
Pakistan’s sesame yield improvements have positioned it as a reliable supplier to meet China’s growing demand for high-quality, competitively priced imports.
Strategic Advantages Over Competitors
According to Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of the Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, Pakistan enjoys several logistical and pricing advantages:
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Average export price: $1,300/tonne
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Transit time to China: Just 15–20 days via sea and land
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Processing time: Quick 5–10 days turnaround
These factors have made Pakistan a preferred sesame seed supplier for Chinese buyers seeking efficiency, value, and reliability.
From Raw Exporter to Value-Added Partner
Looking ahead, Ambassador Hashmi emphasized a strategic shift toward value-added processing, e-commerce integration, and joint ventures to further deepen trade ties.
“We must move beyond raw exports and tap into China’s booming sesame-based product market, valued between $4.7 and $9.5 billion annually,” he noted.
Notably, a September 2024 trade event led to $28 million in signed deals and 177 Pakistani sesame companies registered in China—a sign of the sector’s formalization and growth.
Shared Prosperity Through Agri-Trade
Hashmi aptly summarized this milestone as more than a trade win—it’s a blueprint for bilateral prosperity, powered by innovation, competitiveness, and strategic collaboration.
