Global Rice News

In the year 2022, Pakistan emerged as one of the top 10 grain and product exporters to China, with a total export value of $456 million. This represents a significant growth of 14.12% compared to the previous year, according to the 2023 China Import Food Report. The report was presented at the China Import Food Summit during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

One Pakistani exporter, Muhammad Omair, a dealer of sesame and rice, expressed his amazement at the vibrant consumption market in China during his first visit to the country. Omair’s company alone has already exported over 150 containers of sesame to China this year. He aims to further increase this number by setting up an exhibition stand at CIIE. Omair attributes Pakistan’s successful grain export to factors such as cost-effective transportation, competitive prices, high-quality products, and the bilateral free trade agreement between the two countries.

Sesame in particular has gained popularity in China due to its high oil content, which makes it ideal for oil extraction companies. In the first nine months of this year, Pakistan’s sesame exports to China were valued at $56.446 million, representing a 41% growth compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by China’s General Administration of Customs (CGAC).

In addition to sesame, broken rice for animal feed has also witnessed a steady increase in demand from China. Despite the challenges posed by the floods, Pakistan exported between 70-200 containers of broken rice to China on a monthly basis last year. CGAC statistics indicate a 20% rise in China’s import of broken rice from Pakistan.

The CIIE provides an excellent opportunity for Pakistani and other international businesses to tap into the vast and open Chinese market. The event serves as a platform for fruitful matchmaking between businesses from different countries. Omair expresses his optimism about the CIIE, as it is being held offline and is unaffected by the pandemic.

Source: China Economic Net