Pakistan’s exports to China recorded remarkable growth during the first five months of 2026, rising by 48.7% year-on-year to $1.55 billion, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
The figures show that exports increased from $1.04 billion during January-May 2025 to $1.55 billion during the corresponding period in 2026, representing an additional $507 million in export earnings and highlighting strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and China.
Copper products remained the largest contributor to Pakistan’s exports to China, accounting for 43.7% of total export value during the period.
Exports of copper and related products climbed to $675 million in the first five months of 2026, compared with $393 million in the same period last year, reflecting a strong 71.7% increase.
The rise in copper shipments played a key role in driving overall export growth and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the Chinese market.
March 2026 emerged as the strongest month for Pakistan’s exports to China, with shipments reaching $361.6 million, an increase of 84.3% compared with $196.2 million recorded in March 2025.
Trade experts attributed the surge to higher copper exports and the beginning of the rice export season, which boosted demand for Pakistani agricultural products.
Exports remained robust in the following months, reaching approximately $331 million in April and $286 million in May, both exceeding several monthly export records set during 2025.
Among Chinese regions, Zhejiang Province continued to be the largest destination for Pakistani exports, importing goods worth $480.7 million during the period.
Imports by Zhejiang increased by 40% year-on-year, supported by the province’s significant copper-processing industry and manufacturing sector.
Meanwhile, exports to Beijing more than doubled, rising from $101 million to $232 million, driven by stronger demand for Pakistani rice and sesame seeds from Chinese state procurement agencies.
The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region also emerged as an important trade corridor, with imports from Pakistan tripling to $53 million.
Officials attributed the growth to expanding land-based trade connectivity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly routes linking Gwadar and China’s western regions.
Trade officials said the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement continues to play a significant role in facilitating exports.
According to official estimates, approximately $2.16 billion worth of Pakistan’s exports during FY2024-25 were conducted under preferential tariff arrangements available through the agreement.
Negotiations on CPFTA Phase III are currently underway and are expected to cover nearly 700 additional tariff lines, potentially expanding market access for Pakistani exporters.
The proposed expansion is expected to benefit key sectors including cereals, halal meat, processed textiles, minerals, and value-added agricultural products.
Analysts believe the strong export performance reflects growing economic integration between Pakistan and China and could help support Pakistan’s efforts to narrow its trade deficit and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.
