Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China reached a record high of $49 million in the first four months of 2025, driven by strong Chinese demand, improved seed quality, and faster export processes.
Between January and April, Pakistan exported 38,828 metric tons of sesame seeds to China, 337% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Chinese customs data.
The sharp growth highlights Pakistan’s strengthened role in China’s food supply chain. Sesame is widely used across China in cooking oil, snacks, sauces, and health foods, and rising demand has opened new doors for exporters who can meet the country’s quality and delivery standards.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, praised the achievement and credited agricultural research institutions for supporting the export boost. He highlighted the contributions of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI) for developing improved seed varieties and farming methods.
Back in 2019, Pakistan was only 14th among sesame exporters to China, with shipments worth $4.6 million. By 2024, it had climbed to third place by export value ($226.53 million) and second by volume, with total exports of 177,640 metric tons.
According to Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of the Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, the country’s competitive edge lies in its pricing and speed. The average export price is around $1,300 per ton, with delivery times of 15–20 days by sea or land. Most orders can be processed and shipped within 5–10 days, offering flexibility for Chinese buyers.
To build on this progress, Ambassador Hashmi outlined a forward-looking strategy focused on better seed quality, sesame-based product development, e-commerce expansion, and joint ventures with Chinese companies. He noted that the Chinese sesame product market is worth $4.7 to $9.5 billion annually, offering major potential beyond raw seed exports.
Recent outreach efforts are also delivering results. A sesame promotion event held by Pakistan’s embassy in September 2024 secured $28 million in confirmed deals, and 177 Pakistani sesame companies have been officially registered for export to China.
“Our sesame trade with China is more than an export story — it’s a blueprint for shared prosperity,” Ambassador Hashmi said.
