BEIJING – Pakistan’s rice exports to China recorded an impressive 121% year-on-year growth during the first five months of 2025, reflecting deeper trade ties and robust agricultural cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
According to Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistani Embassy in China, data from the General Administration of Customs of China shows Pakistan exported rice worth $32.076 million from January to May 2025, a significant jump from $14.53 million during the same period in 2024.
The majority of this growth came from semi- or wholly-milled rice (commodity code 10063020), which alone accounted for $26.68 million and 60,769 metric tons in volume.
Qadir credited the export boom to improved quality standards, competitive pricing, and recent trade facilitation measures, including tariff reductions and streamlined inspection protocols that have made Pakistani rice more accessible and attractive in Chinese markets.
Varieties such as Super Basmati and IRRI-6 are especially in demand due to their aroma, elongation, and versatility in Chinese cooking.
Muhammad Ahsan, CEO of Al Falah Rice International, explained that Pakistani rice varieties typically offer higher milling yields, ranging from 68–70%, compared to China’s domestic average of 66–68%, particularly for hybrid japonica. This makes Pakistani rice more cost-efficient for processors and enhances its shelf appeal in retail settings.
Ahsan added that while Pakistani rice is primarily consumed by urban middle-class families in China seeking premium South Asian grains, a growing share estimated at 30–35% is being absorbed by the food processing industry, especially for ready-to-eat meals and instant rice dishes.
“Chinese importers increasingly view Pakistan not only as a reliable supplier but also as a strategic partner for grain diversification, particularly in light of regional climate shifts and price fluctuations in other major rice-producing countries,” he noted.
Analysts suggest that this trade momentum will likely catalyze deeper collaboration in seed research, post-harvest technologies, and traceability systems, all of which are vital to ensuring long-term food security and resilient supply chains across the region.
The surge in rice exports is a tangible success story under CPEC, demonstrating the corridor’s potential to bolster bilateral agricultural trade and enhance food connectivity between China and Pakistan.
