China Presents a Vast Market Opportunity for Pakistan’s Dried Fruits

To explore the vast potential of Pakistan’s dried fruits export market, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai, in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, hosted a webinar focused on the export of dried fruits and nuts from Pakistan to China.

During the event, Mr. Hussain Haider, Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai, emphasized the significant growth in Pakistan’s dried fruits and nuts exports to China, which soared from $8 million in 2020 to $65 million in 2021. This sharp increase reflects the immense potential for Pakistan’s dried fruits in the Chinese market. “Pakistan has a robust agricultural foundation and offers high-quality dried fruits. With the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, Pakistan can export dried fruits to China without any tariffs, providing a substantial advantage for our exporters,” said Mr. Haider.

He further noted that the Chinese snack food market is rapidly expanding, with a growing preference for nutritious snacks, smaller packaging, and online purchases. By aligning their products with these trends, Pakistani dried fruit companies can capitalize on emerging opportunities in China.

The webinar was attended by over 20 companies from both China and Pakistan. Pakistani enterprises suggested streamlining road transport procedures, expanding transportation channels, and reducing costs to further boost exports. The ongoing pandemic in Shanghai has heightened awareness of the importance of nutritious foods that boost immunity and have a long shelf life. Chinese trade, logistics, and e-commerce businesses expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan’s dried fruits exports to China and showed willingness to promote these products through exhibitions and other marketing channels to enhance their visibility.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan exported oilseeds, nuts, and kernels worth $185.2 million in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, compared to $84.6 million in the same period last year, marking a remarkable 118.93% increase. In terms of quantity, exports also rose by 76.06%, increasing from 77,415 MT to 136,294 MT.

China has been Pakistan’s largest trading partner for several years. In the first four months of 2022, China imported a total of 2.819 million tons of dried and fresh melons and nuts, representing a 12.9% increase from the previous year.