According to a report by the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), Pakistan’s sesame shipments to China during the first two months of 2025 have surprisingly increased by 179.9 percent, rising from 5,997 metric tons ($10.1 million) to 22,740 metric tons ($28.27 million).
This remarkable expansion is attributed to improved quality control, better trade facilities under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and smooth transportation networks. By April 2025, shipments had reached almost 39,000 metric tons, valued at $48.6 million, a 337 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
China, the world’s largest sesame importer, utilizes this commodity in a variety of cuisines, ranging from traditional dishes and baked goods to spices and oil extraction. In 2024, China imported over 1 million metric tons of sesame, primarily from African countries.
However, growing concerns about quality standards, product origin tracking, and food safety have opened doors for reliable trading partners like Pakistan.
Pakistan’s sesame sector is moving beyond basic commodity trading, with initiatives underway to establish specialized processing facilities for sesame oil, tahini, roasted snacks, and healthrelated items. Planned near cultivation areas in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, these facilities have the potential to generate numerous employment opportunities across the agricultural supply chain.
These opportunities encompass cultivation, distribution, processing, packaging, and regulatory compliance. They will also foster skill development in areas such as product handling, food safety guidelines, quality assessments, and export procedures.
Successful projects, such as the CMECled sesame contract farming initiative in Punjab employing modern seed technology and monitoring techniques, have been lauded, and such publicprivate partnerships are encouraged to expand nationwide.
With the implementation of the ChinaPakistan Free Trade Agreement Phase II and reduced tariffs, industry experts recommend additional investment in postharvest storage, cold chain logistics, and distribution centers as the next crucial steps.
Farmers, traders, and government representatives are urged to collaborate on marketing Pakistani sesame internationally, prioritizing China as a key consumer. This joint effort seeks to boost production, ensure product origin transparency, and solidify Pakistan’s position as a premium sesame supplier.