Pakistan has recorded a dramatic rise of 201% in chemical exports to China for the first half of 2025, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Key Figures
- Export value jumped from US$ 4.38 million in H1 2024 to US$ 13.19 million in H1 2025.
- A major part of the growth came from “chemical products and preparations from allied industries,” which surged from US$ 0.31 million to US$ 6.20 million over the same period.
- In terms of volume, Pakistan shipped some 6.24 million kilograms of chemical goods, yielding around US$ 6.60 million, with an average price of US$ 1.05 per kilogram.
What’s Driving the Growth
- Improved industrial capacity and better compliance with global product standards are being credited as major factors. Pakistan seems to be producing chemical goods that meet higher quality thresholds demanded by Chinese importers.
- Natural reserves such as salt, coal, limestone, and other minerals are being leveraged as raw materials for chemical manufacturing.
- The trend aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to expand industrial cooperation and trade with China.
Implications & Outlook
- The surge suggests Pakistan is successfully moving toward more value-added chemical exports, not simply raw materials.
- Industries involved in allied chemical production may see expansion and increased investment if this trend continues.
- However, sustaining this momentum will likely depend on continued compliance with quality standards, efficient logistics, stable trade policies, and possibly more supportive trade agreements.
Pakistan plans to leverage its $460 billion export roadmap to expand green chemistry sectors, particularly salt-derived PVC and soda ash.
