BEIJING: Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China have recorded steady growth at the start of 2026, driven primarily by rising demand for cotton yarn and sesame seeds, according to newly released data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
During January and February 2026, Pakistan exported cotton-related products worth approximately $74.63 million to China, reflecting a modest yet consistent increase of 3 per cent compared with $71.63 million in the same period last year. The uptick underscores sustained demand from China’s vast textile manufacturing sector, which continues to rely on imported raw materials to support production.
Uncombed cotton yarn, containing more than 85 per cent cotton, emerged as a key export category. Fujian Province accounted for over $18 million in imports, followed by Zhejiang with nearly $10 million. Additional shipments to major industrial regions such as Guangdong and Anhui further reinforced the broad geographic spread of demand across China’s textile hubs.
Sesame seeds also showed strong performance, with exports exceeding $14 million in the first two months of the year. Anhui led imports with consignments valued at roughly $4.6 million, while Beijing and Fujian followed with significant volumes. Smaller but notable shipments were also recorded in Shandong and other provinces, highlighting China’s increasing dependence on Pakistan as a supplier of oilseeds used in food processing and edible oil production.
Trade officials point to structural factors behind this growth. Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counsellor at Pakistan’s Consulate in Guangzhou, noted that southern China’s expanding food and beverage industry is fuelling demand for agricultural imports. Provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian have become major centres for processing tropical fruits and manufacturing ready-to-drink beverages.
These industries require a consistent supply of complementary ingredients—including rice, sesame seeds, and spices from Pakistan—for use in flavouring and packaged food products. Industry estimates suggest that processed fruit and beverage output in these regions grew by 8 to 10 per cent year-on-year in early 2026, further supporting import demand.
Analysts observe that the parallel rise in cotton yarn exports aligns closely with the operational needs of China’s large-scale textile sector, while increased sesame seed imports reflect shifting consumption patterns in the country’s food industry. Together, these trends highlight agriculture’s expanding role in strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and China.
The continued momentum in these sectors signals opportunities for Pakistan to further diversify and expand its agricultural exports, particularly as Chinese demand for both industrial inputs and food commodities continues to evolve.
