Pakistan’s meat exports to China surge 177pc YoY in CY25

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of boiled meat to China jumped 177 percent in value in 2025, reflecting a rapid expansion in bilateral agri-food trade and rising Chinese demand for halal and diversified protein products.

Data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) shows Pakistan shipped 2.38 million kilograms of boiled beef under HS code 16025090, valued at $14.52 million. Exporters attributed the growth to improved market access for Pakistani meat processors, adherence to Chinese sanitary and halal standards, and strong demand across major consumption hubs.

Top destinations within China included Jiangsu Province, which imported nearly 1.0 million kilograms valued at $5.08 million, followed by Zhejiang with 458,595 kilograms worth $3.66 million, and Tianjin with 510,520 kilograms worth $3.50 million. Significant volumes were also sent to Guangdong, Xinjiang, Shandong, Hainan, and Hunan.

On average, Pakistan’s meat exports were priced at $6.1 per kilogram, offering value-added products rather than low-margin raw meat, a factor that made them attractive to Chinese importers in catering, retail, and food processing segments.

Analysts said the growth is driven by multiple factors, including rising consumer preference in China for ready-to-cook and processed meat products, expansion of export-approved slaughterhouses and processing facilities in Pakistan, improved cold-chain logistics, streamlined customs procedures, and the use of bonded trade channels, particularly through Hainan.

For comparison, Mongolia remained China’s largest supplier in this category, exporting 4.37 million kilograms valued at $18.53 million, while the United States shipped only 18,099 kilograms worth $68,033, reflecting a different market focus.

Industry observers noted that Pakistan still has room to grow in China by moving up the value chain through seasoned and portioned products, enhancing cold-chain infrastructure, forming branding partnerships with Chinese distributors, and certifying more processing plants.

Abdullah, a Pakistani meat exporter to China, said demand is rising across both coastal and inland provinces, and 2025’s performance signals a structural shift toward stable, large-scale meat exports, reinforcing deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.