Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s salt industry has seen a surge as salt exports to China soared by 40% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Between January and March 2025, Pakistan successfully exported more than 13.64 million kilograms of salt to China, generating an impressive revenue of $1.83 million. This marks a significant rise from the $1.30 million worth of salt exported during the corresponding period in 2024.
This notable surge reflects both growing demand within China and Pakistan’s enhanced capability to meet international export standards in the salt industry.
Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing, while speaking to China Economic Net, emphasized the strategic importance of this development.
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He highlighted that the increase in exports not only underscores the deepening trade ties between the two countries but also showcases the trust and preference Chinese markets are placing in Pakistan’s salt products.
Pakistan currently exports salt to China under three key categories: edible salt, pure sodium chloride, and other industrial salt types.
The robust growth in this sector has been attributed to a combination of improved logistic networks, competitive pricing strategies, and a consistent commitment by Pakistani exporters to maintain high quality standards.
These factors have positioned Pakistani salt as a reliable commodity in China’s increasingly dynamic market.
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Industry analysts believe the surge is fueled largely by China’s expanding need for high-quality salt, particularly in the industrial sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
The growing demand has opened fresh avenues for Pakistani exporters and has paved the way for further collaboration under the broader CPEC framework, which creates ease of doing business and trade.
The trade statistics for the first quarter provide a snapshot of the current flow of goods between Pakistan and China, with salt continuing to represent a steady component of the broader trade relationship.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
