BEIJING: Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China surged by 300 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, according to a report by China Economic Net (CEN), reflecting the country’s growing role as a reliable agricultural exporter to the Chinese market.
The growth is being attributed to a substantial increase in export volume and a more competitive pricing strategy.
According to trade data cited by CEN, Pakistan exported 46,029,511 kilograms of sesame seeds to China between January and June 2025, generating $57.44 million in revenue.
In comparison, during the same period in 2024, the country had exported 8,608,260 kilograms worth $14.39 million.
The average export price per kilogram also declined, from $1.67 in the first half of 2024 to $1.24 in 2025.
This reduction in price significantly boosted the competitiveness of Pakistani sesame in the Chinese market, where demand for high-quality but affordable agricultural imports continues to rise, according to the CEN’s report.
Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, described the increase as a “remarkable achievement” for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Speaking to China Economic Net, he said the sharp rise in exports reflected both the growing demand in China and Pakistan’s improved market access and production capacity.
“This exceptional growth underscores the successful efforts to enhance market access and the strong demand in China for quality Pakistani agricultural products,” Qadir said.
“The significant increase in volume demonstrates Pakistan’s growing capacity as a reliable supplier.”
During this reporting period, Pakistan ranked as the fourth-largest sesame seed exporter to China.
Niger led the list with 348,175,624 kilograms worth $471.53 million, followed by Togo with 113,331,626 kilograms worth $166.92 million, and Ethiopia with 64,989,410 kilograms valued at $106.72 million.
Pakistan’s exports of 46,029,511 kilograms generated $57.44 million in revenue, with an average price of $1.24 per kilogram — the lowest among the top four suppliers.
Exporters interviewed by CEN noted that Pakistan’s lower average price per kilogram, compared to its African competitors, played a key role in capturing greater market share.
They also observed a growing interest among Pakistani farmers in sesame cultivation, which they attributed to improved export prospects and rising international demand.
