ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s agri-food exports to China recorded strong growth in 2025, led by a sharp rise in meat shipments as Chinese consumers increasingly turn to diversified, halal-certified and value-added protein products.
According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) and cited by Pakistan-based news website Gwadar Pro, Pakistan’s exports of boiled beef to China surged 177 percent year-on-year in value, reflecting expanded market access and stronger compliance with Chinese sanitary and food safety standards.
During 2025, Pakistan exported 2.38 million kilograms of boiled beef under HS code 16025090, with shipments valued at $14.52 million.
On average, exports were priced at around $6.1 per kilogram, a level analysts say reflects a competitive balance between cost efficiency and product quality, while also highlighting Pakistan’s shift toward processed and ready-to-cook meat products rather than raw exports.
Key Chinese provinces drive demand
Imports of Pakistani meat were concentrated in China’s economically advanced regions. Jiangsu Province emerged as the largest destination, purchasing nearly one million kilograms valued at $5.08 million.
Zhejiang Province followed, importing 458,595 kilograms worth $3.66 million, while Tianjin bought 510,520 kilograms valued at $3.50 million.
Additional shipments reached Guangdong, China’s largest consumer market, as well as smaller but steadily expanding volumes to Xinjiang, Shandong, Hainan and Hunan, reflecting growing nationwide acceptance of Pakistani meat products.
Exporters attributed the surge to improved access to the Chinese market, a rising number of Pakistani slaughterhouses and processing units approved under Chinese regulations, and stricter adherence to halal and sanitary requirements.
Logistics and value addition support growth
Industry experts noted that improved cold-chain logistics, faster customs clearance, and the use of bonded trade channels, particularly through Hainan, have helped cut delivery times and reduce overall costs.
At the same time, Chinese consumers are showing greater preference for processed and ready-to-cook meat, creating opportunities for exporters offering higher value-added products.
In comparison with other suppliers, Mongolia remained China’s largest source of prepared bovine meat in this category, exporting 4.37 million kilograms valued at $18.53 million, benefiting from geographic proximity and established cross-border trade.
The United States exported relatively small volumes, shipping 18,099 kilograms worth $68,033, reflecting a different export mix.
Untapped potential ahead
Industry observers said Pakistan still has considerable room to expand its market share in China by moving further up the value chain, investing in modern cold-chain infrastructure, strengthening branding partnerships with Chinese distributors, and accelerating certification for additional processing facilities.
Shahid Butt, a Pakistani meat exporter, said demand for Pakistani meat is rising across both coastal and inland Chinese provinces. He noted that the strong export performance in 2025 points to a more stable and sustained phase of large-scale meat trade, reinforcing broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
