Pakistan’s exports to China jump 48.7% in first five months of 2026
- Pakistan’s exports to China crossed $1.55 billion from January to May 2026, up 48.7% year-on-year.
- Copper products remained the largest export category, contributing $675 million to total exports.
- Ongoing CPFTA Phase III talks are expected to further improve market access for Pakistani products.
Pakistan’s exports to China recorded a significant increase during the first five months of 2026, reaching more than $1.55 billion between January and May, according to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
The export value represents a 48.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when Pakistan exported goods worth $1.04 billion to China. The rise translates into an additional $507 million in export earnings within just five months, making it one of the strongest performances in bilateral trade in recent years.
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Copper products remained the leading contributor to Pakistan’s exports, generating $675 million and accounting for nearly 43.7% of total export value. The sector posted a remarkable 71.7% increase compared to $393 million recorded during the corresponding period last year.
March emerged as the strongest month of 2026, with exports climbing to $361.6 million, an increase of 84.3% from March 2025. The surge was largely driven by higher copper shipments and the start of the rice export season. Export momentum continued in April and May, with shipments valued at $331 million and $286 million respectively, both remaining above the peak monthly levels achieved in 2025.
Among Chinese regions, Zhejiang Province remained the largest destination for Pakistani exports, importing goods worth $480.7 million, a 40% increase year-on-year. The province’s strong demand is linked to its position as one of China’s major copper-processing centres.
Beijing recorded the highest growth among key destinations, with imports from Pakistan rising from $101 million to $232 million. The increase was attributed to greater purchases of Pakistani rice and sesame seeds by state procurement agencies.
Meanwhile, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region emerged as an important new trade corridor, with imports from Pakistan tripling to $53 million. Officials linked the growth to expanding land-route trade facilitated through the Gwadar–Xinjiang connectivity framework under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Trade officials have highlighted the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) as a major factor supporting export growth. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Pakistani exports worth $2.16 billion entered the Chinese market under FTA concessions.
Negotiations on CPFTA Phase III are currently underway and are expected to cover around 700 additional tariff lines. The proposed expansion could create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters in sectors including cereals, halal meat, processed textiles, and mineral products, where significant growth potential remains untapped.
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