Beijing (Gwadar Pro) – Pakistan’s salt exports to China witnessed a significant increase of 38% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, highlighting the strengthening bilateral trade relations in the mineral sector.
According to Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in China, official data shows that between January and May 2025, Pakistan exported salt worth USD 3.44 million to China, compared to USD 2.5 million during the same period in 2024.
Ghulam Qadir stated that the main driver behind this increase is the rising demand in China for high-purity salt, used in intravenous and external medical solutions and other pharmaceutical applications. This salt is classified under trade code 25010019. Pakistan exported 22.5 million kilograms of this grade of salt to China, with a total trade value of USD 3.29 million. The average price per kilogram was USD 0.146, making it competitive in the international market.
He further noted that Pakistan is among the few countries with abundant rock salt reserves, especially pink Himalayan salt, which is recognized globally for its high quality and purity. Although Pakistan’s salt exports to China still trail behind other suppliers, there is significant potential for growth.
In addition to medical-grade salt, Pakistan also exported edible and industrial salt, though in smaller quantities. Experts believe Pakistan can increase its share in China’s multi-billion-dollar salt market by leveraging its low-cost production and growing processing capacity.
Analysts suggest that with improved processing infrastructure, compliance with Chinese pharmaceutical salt standards, and stronger logistics partnerships under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan’s salt trade could grow further. Stakeholders in both countries are working to enhance trade facilitation and quality assurance mechanisms, which could help Pakistan shift from bulk exports to higher-value products.
