Sesame Trade Boom: Pakistan's Exports to China Jump 300% in half 2025
Pakistan has recorded an unprecedented 300% year-on-year rise in sesame seed exports to China in the first six months of 2025, according to a report from China Economic Net. From January to June, Pakistan exported over 46 million kilograms of sesame seeds to China, generating $57.44 million in revenue. This marks a significant leap from the 8.6 million kilograms worth $14.39 million exported during the same period in 2024.
This sharp increase is driven by both higher export volumes and a strategic reduction in prices. The average export price per kilogram dropped from $1.67 in early 2024 to $1.24 in 2025, making Pakistani sesame more cost-effective for Chinese buyers and amplifying its appeal in a competitive market.
Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan, attributed the growth to enhanced market access and rising demand for Pakistani agricultural products. The development reflects Pakistan’s evolving strength as a reliable and quality-focused supplier in the global sesame market.
With this surge, Pakistan now ranks fourth among China’s top sesame suppliers, trailing only Niger, Togo, and Ethiopia. Niger remains the largest exporter with 348 million kilograms valued at $471.53 million, followed by substantial exports from Togo and Ethiopia. This progress signals a promising shift in Pakistan’s agri-export trajectory, especially in high-demand markets like China.