Pakistan’s Sesame Exports to China Soar 87% in 2025
Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China have witnessed an impressive 87% surge in the first nine months of 2025, reaching a total value of $68.56 million, according to state media reports. The sharp increase reflects rising Chinese demand for edible oils and traditional food products, positioning Pakistan as an increasingly important supplier of high-quality sesame seeds.
Experts attribute the growth to Pakistan’s favorable climatic conditions, enhanced crop quality, and expanding trade relations under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). From January to September 2025, Pakistan exported 55.61 million kilograms of sesame seeds to China at an average price of $1.23 per kilogram, a significant jump from 23.95 million kilograms during the same period in 2024.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, highlighted recent trade initiatives, noting the successful organization of the “Sesame Trade and Investment Opportunities in China” event in 2024. During the event, a 23-member Pakistani delegation secured export deals totaling 15,000 metric tons and signed a $28 million memorandum of understanding with government-backed enterprises in Daming, further cementing Pakistan’s role in China’s sesame supply chain.
As the world’s largest sesame importer, China consumes around 1.5 million tons annually but produces only about 320,000 tons domestically. While Pakistan’s exports of 55,000 tons represent a modest share of China’s total imports, they mark a major milestone for Pakistan’s agribusiness sector, traditionally dominated by African suppliers such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
Currently, 177 Pakistani sesame companies are registered in China, signifying deeper integration into regional markets for edible oils, snacks, and health products. Despite challenges such as recent floods affecting cropland, experts predict continued growth in the sesame trade due to enhanced processing capacity and favorable global prices.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics also reports a broader rise in agricultural exports, with seafood shipments to China exceeding $153 million in the same period. For China, sesame imports have become vital for ensuring edible-oil security amid limited domestic output. For Pakistan, the growing sesame trade represents a crucial opportunity for export diversification, rural income generation, and agri-industrial cooperation with its largest trading partner.