- Guangdong leads Chinese destinations with $41.64 million in imports
- China market expansion opens scope for Pakistan’s value-added rice exports
Pakistan’s rice exports to China surged to $122.99 million during January-July 2026, up 200.49% y-o-y from $40.93 million during the corresponding period in 2025. In volume terms, Pakistan’s rice shipments to China increased 265.55% y-o-y, rising from 98,723 t in Jan-July 2025 to 360,887 t in the same period of 2026.
Long-grain rice remains key export segment
Demand was recorded across both whole-grain and industrial broken rice categories. Semi or wholly milled long-grain rice the largest segment, generating $58.10 million from shipments of 157,329 t. The segment accounted for more than 47% of total rice exports to China and increased 76.48% y-o-y. Long-grain broken was the fastest-growing segment, with exports surging 607.89% y-o-y to $41.50 million, corresponding to shipments of 130,110 t. Meanwhile, short and medium-grain broken rice increased 988.07% to $23.40 million, with shipments reaching 73,448 t.
Guangdong emerges as leading destination
Guangdong Province was the largest destination for Pakistani rice exports in China, absorbing $41.64 million, or nearly 34% of total shipments during the period. Beijing Municipality ranked second with $37.57 million, accounting for a 30.55% share, followed by Jiangxi Province at $18.82 million, with a 15.30% share. Jiangsu Province followed with imports worth $8.38 million.
Trade mission boosts market access
A targeted trade mission by Pakistan’s Rice Exporters Association to Guangzhou helped strengthen direct market access in southern China. The delegation held B2B meetings with Chinese grain importers, distributors and food-processing companies, resulting in direct market access and major commercial supply deals. These agreements established purchase commitments that accelerated rice consignments through Guangdong’s entry ports.
Outlook
Pakistan’s rice trade with China is expected to increasingly focus on deepening direct market access and strengthening long-term commercial ties with Chinese buyers. The opportunities to move from bulk commodities towards higher-value branded packaged basmati could help improve export gains, while joint ventures in modern seed technology may support greater market integration. Leveraging the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement to develop long-term contract farming partnerships tailored to South China’s market requirements could further support sustained export growth.
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