Pakistan’s Meat Exports to China Gain Momentum on Improved Quality Standards and Market Access

Pakistan’s meat exports to China have experienced remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for high-quality halal meat and strengthened trade cooperation under enhanced market-access arrangements. According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, Pakistan exported over $14.32 million worth of meat products between January and November 2025, compared with $4.23 million during the same period last year, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of approximately 239 percent.

Industry experts highlight several factors behind this surge, including Chinese buyers’ growing preference for processed meats that meet high safety and quality standards, strict adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary protocols, and active promotion through bilateral trade platforms. Key initiatives such as Pakistan–China B2B investment events and business-matching forums, including those held in Beijing during the Pakistani prime minister’s visit in September 2025, have further boosted visibility and demand for Pakistani meat products.

Pakistan’s heat-treated meat products, which include boiled and cooked varieties, gained momentum after securing General Administration of Customs of China approval for exports. The certification process enabled exporters to meet Chinese customs requirements, providing a pathway for consistent market access and compliance with both halal and food-safety standards.

Experts like Amer Hasan emphasize that further growth can be achieved by expanding the roster of GACC-registered exporters, investing in cold-chain logistics, and developing joint meat-processing facilities that comply with Chinese regulatory standards. Strengthening marketing efforts through digital trade platforms and retail partnerships is also seen as critical to unlocking broader demand across China’s expanding imported-food market. With targeted policy support and strategic industry collaboration, Pakistan’s meat sector is well-positioned to capture a larger share of China’s diversified protein import landscape.