BEIJING – Pakistan’s exports to China registered a sharp increase of 48.7 percent during the first five months of 2026, reaching more than $1.55 billion compared to $1.04 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs.

The rise reflects an additional $507 million in export earnings, marking one of the strongest performances in bilateral trade in recent years.

Copper products remained the leading export category, contributing 43.7 percent of total shipments with $675 million, up from $393 million last year—an increase of 71.7 percent. The sector emerged as the key driver of overall export growth.

Monthly figures showed sustained upward momentum, with March 2026 recording the highest exports at $361.6 million, compared to $196.2 million in March 2025. Strong copper shipments and the start of the rice export season contributed to the surge. Exports remained robust in April and May at $331 million and $286 million respectively.

On a provincial level, Zhejiang Province remained the top destination for Pakistani goods, importing $480.7 million worth of products, up 40 percent year-on-year, driven largely by copper-processing industries.

Beijing recorded the fastest growth, with imports rising from $101 million to $232 million as state procurement agencies increased purchases of Pakistani rice and sesame seeds. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region also saw significant growth, with imports tripling to $53 million, supported by expanding land-route trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Officials said the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) continues to play a key role in strengthening trade ties, with $2.16 billion of Pakistan’s exports in 2024–25 benefiting from preferential tariff access. Negotiations for CPFTA Phase III are currently underway, which are expected to further expand market access for Pakistani goods, particularly in agriculture, textiles, halal meat and minerals.

Pakistan exports 2,000 buffalo embryos to China

In a separate development, Pakistan has exported 2,000 buffalo embryos to Royal Cell Biotechnology in Guangxi, China, under a material transfer agreement between Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research and China’s Royal Group.

This follows earlier shipments of 10,000 embryos valued at $2 million, delivered in phases.

The officials say China is expected to significantly increase imports of Pakistani buffalo genetic material in the coming years, with potential demand projected at up to 300,000 embryos.

The experts attribute the rising interest to growing demand for buffalo milk in China, where Pakistani breeds are valued for their high productivity and milk quality. The cooperation also aims to enhance livestock breeding through advanced biotechnology.

Royal Cell Biotechnology, part of Royal Group, is currently the only listed buffalo milk processing company in China, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership in the dairy sector.