Pakistan has observed a significant increase in its fruit and juice exports to China, with recent data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) revealing a substantial rise in frozen orange juice exports from January to July 2024. This uptrend highlights the growing demand for Pakistani produce in the Chinese market.
Ghulam Qadir, the Commercial Counselor at the Pakistan Embassy in China, credited the growth to the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreements and the Pakistani government’s initiatives to diversify and strengthen its international market presence. He noted that China’s increasing appetite for high-quality, nutritious fruits and juices presents a major opportunity for Pakistani exporters.
“From January to July 2024, exports of fruit juices and related products to China exceeded $1.546 million, marking a 226% increase compared to the same period last year. Frozen orange juice alone accounted for over $1.54 million. Additionally, Pakistani fresh mangoes are gaining traction in China, with 4,214 kg imported by Chinese enterprises during the first seven months of the year. Notably, Pakistani mangoes were also presented as gifts to Chinese leadership and enterprises this year,” Qadir detailed.
Wei Ling Chen, Regional Director at Direct Access, a Chinese enterprise, provided insights into the importation of Pakistani mangoes. She highlighted the selection of Sindhri and Chaunsa varieties, known for their exceptional quality. Chen emphasized that despite variations in size and skin color, Pakistani mangoes are valued for their natural growth process, which enhances their flavor and sweetness. Her company ensures high quality by partnering with top-tier orchards and meticulously overseeing the entire process from harvest to delivery in China.
This growth in bilateral trade signifies promising prospects for further collaboration and expansion in the agricultural sector between Pakistan and China, with a positive outlook for Pakistani fruit and juice producers in the Chinese market.