BEIJING: Pakistan’s rice exports to China surged by an impressive 121% year-on-year in the first five months of 2025, marking a significant milestone in agricultural trade and bilateral cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistan Embassy in China.
Speaking to China Economic Net (CEN), Ghulam Qadir cited data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, which revealed that from January to May 2025, Pakistan exported rice worth $32.076 million to China—more than doubling the $14.53 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
A key driver of this growth was semi- or wholly-milled rice (commodity code 10063020), which alone accounted for $26.68 million and 60,769 metric tons in volume.
Qadir attributed the surge to improved quality standards, competitive pricing, and the success of recent trade facilitation measures, including tariff reductions and streamlined inspection procedures. He noted that Pakistan’s long-grain varieties, especially Super Basmati and IRRI-6, have gained increasing popularity among Chinese importers for their distinct aroma, grain elongation, and culinary versatility.
Muhammad Ahsan, CEO of Al Falah Rice International, highlighted the efficiency advantage of Pakistani rice. Compared to domestic Chinese varieties, Pakistani rice generally offers a higher milling yield of 68–70%, compared to China’s average of 66–68%, particularly for hybrid japonica.
“This higher yield enhances cost-efficiency for processors and improves shelf presentation for retailers,” Ahsan noted.
He further observed that Pakistani rice in China is now widely used in the retail market, particularly among urban middle-class consumers seeking premium South Asian rice varieties. However, a growing share—estimated at 30–35%—is being absorbed by the food processing industry, particularly in ready-to-eat meals and instant rice dishes catering to convenience-driven consumers.
“Chinese importers are increasingly viewing Pakistan not only as a consistent supplier but also as a strategic partner for grain diversification, especially amid regional climatic uncertainties and price fluctuations in traditional sourcing countries,” Ahsan added.
Analysts believe that as bilateral agricultural cooperation deepens, stakeholders from both countries foresee expanded collaboration in seed research and development (R&D), post-harvest technologies, and digital traceability systems. These innovations are considered vital to sustaining trade momentum and bolstering regional food security.
