Pakistan witnesses unprecedented surge in sesame seed exports to China

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: In October 2023, Pakistan experienced a remarkable surge in sesame seed exports to China, reaching an unprecedented high of 64,711 tons valued at US $113.66 million, a substantial increase from the 16,728 tons worth US$25.57 million in the same month the previous year, a senior Pakistani diplomat said.

Ghulam Qadir, the Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, attributed this surge to a combination of favorable climatic conditions, strategic agricultural policies, and effective market positioning.

This surge not only showcases Pakistan’s agricultural strength but also positions the nation as a significant player in the global sesame seed market, contributing positively to its economy, he remarked in an official statement issue here.

Over the first ten months of 2023, Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China experienced a 100% increase, amounting to US$170.06 million compared to US$84.67 million in the corresponding period the previous year.

According to Ghulam Qadir, data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China revealed that China imported 97,069.705 tons of sesame seeds from Pakistan during this period, marking a 72.53% increase by volume, with a total value of US$170.063 million. In the same timeframe last year, the imports were 56,261.629 tons valued at US$84.67 million.

This notable accomplishment in sesame seed exports is part of a broader trend, as Pakistan’s overall exports to China surpassed US$2.82 billion in the first ten months of the current year, reflecting a 1.27% year-on-year increase.