ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s pine nut exports to China nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, driven by strong demand from Chinese consumers for the country’s premium-quality chilgoza, according to trade data cited by state media.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs showed that Pakistan’s pine nut exports to China increased from 579.8 tonnes in 2023 to 1,147 tonnes in 2025. Export earnings also rose significantly, climbing from $8.2 million in 2023 to a peak of $18.8 million in 2024 before reaching $17.9 million in 2025.
Industry officials say China has become the leading destination for Pakistan’s pine nut exports, accounting for an estimated 80 to 90 per cent of overseas sales.
“Chinese consumers highly prefer Pakistani chilgoza due to its thin shell, crispy texture and mild flavour,” Abdul Mateen, chief executive of Islamabad-based exporter AM Enterprises, was quoted as saying.
Pakistan’s pine nut forests are mainly located in North and South Waziristan, as well as parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Experts estimate that North and South Waziristan contribute around 80 to 85 per cent of the country’s total production.
According to industry estimates, Pakistan produces between 2,100 and 2,900 metric tonnes of pine nuts annually, with output varying depending on weather conditions.
Experts say growing Chinese demand for healthy and premium food products has created significant opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
They also stress the need for greater investment in processing, packaging, cold-chain logistics and branding to improve quality and increase returns from one of Pakistan’s most valuable agricultural exports.
