## Pakistan’s Salt Exports to China Surge 38% in Early 2025

Pakistan’s salt exports to China experienced a substantial 38% year-on-year increase during the first five months of 2025, underscoring the expansion of bilateral trade in mineral commodities. Official figures reveal that from January to May 2025, Pakistan exported salt valued at $3.44 million to China, a significant rise from the $2.50 million recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.

Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in China, attributed this robust growth primarily to escalating Chinese demand for high-purity salt utilized in enteral and parenteral solutions and medications, classified under commodity code 25010019. "Pakistan exported 22.5 million kilograms of this specific grade to China, achieving a total trade value of $3.29 million,” Qadir stated. He noted that the average unit price of $0.146 per kilogram ensures strong competitiveness in the international market.

Qadir further highlighted Pakistan’s natural resource advantage, commenting, "Pakistan is among the few countries with abundant reserves of rock salt, particularly the pink Himalayan variety, which has gained recognition globally for its quality and purity.” He added, "Although Pakistan’s salt exports to China remain modest compared to other suppliers, they show strong upward potential.” While medical-grade salt constituted the bulk of exports, Pakistan also shipped smaller quantities of edible and industrial salt to China.

Industry experts posit that Pakistan possesses significant opportunities to increase its market share within China’s multi-billion-dollar salt sector by leveraging cost-effective production capabilities and expanding processing capacity. Analysts suggest that enhancements in processing infrastructure, rigorous adherence to Chinese pharmaceutical-grade salt standards, and the development of efficient logistics partnerships facilitated by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could substantially boost Pakistan’s salt trade with China.

Stakeholders from both nations are reportedly engaged in exploring methods to improve trade facilitation and quality assurance frameworks. These efforts may enable Pakistan to diversify its exports beyond bulk salt into higher-margin processed salt segments.