40 Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan 2 0 2 4 F Y These trends align with shifting consumer preferences toward nutritious and natural foods, offering new opportunities for Pakistani exporters. The robust demand for seeds and nuts highlights Pakistan’s ability to cater to evolving market needs, positioning the country as a competitive player in the global agricultural trade. Key Export Destinations Pakistan’s exports of oil seeds, nuts, and kernels witnessed remarkable growth in FY 2024, with export value surging by 117.2 percent to US$410 million and quantity increasing by 43.3 percent to 248,396 metric tons. China dominated as the top market, accounting for US$286 million (up 211.5 percent) and 171,231 metric tons (up 180.3 percent). Saudi Arabia and Turkey exhibited extraordinary growth, with export values rising by 749.7 percent and 831.6 percent, respectively. South Korea and Vietnam also saw significant gains, recording increases of 392.1 percent and 210.4 percent in value. European markets, including Poland (up 54.3 percent), Germany (up 69.2 percent), and France (up 163.3 percent), contributed to the overall performance. Japan and Taiwan experienced sharp increases, with export quantities growing by 111.4 percent and 114.7 percent, respectively. Table 24: Top 20 Oil seeds, nuts & kernels Exports Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change OIL SEEDS, NUTS & KERNELS 410 189 117.2 248,396 173,367 43.3 China 286 92 211.5 171,231 61,091 180.3 Saudi Arabia 13 2 749.7 7,532 840 796.5 South Korea 13 3 392.1 5,811 1,336 335.1 Turkey 12 1 831.6 7,262 778 833.5 Kazakhstan 11 11 -4.6 15,216 11,263 35.1 Viet Nam 9 3 210.4 6,153 2,070 197.3 U.S. Amer ica 8 4 113.6 3,004 1,675 79.3 Netherlands 8 8 9.2 3,047 3,698 -17.6 Poland 8 5 54.3 3,174 2,284 39 Japan 5 2 134.3 2,844 1,345 111.4 Germany 5 3 69.2 1,736 1,226 41.6 Greece 4 4 8.2 2,054 2,099 -2.2 Taiwan 4 2 111.2 2,924 1,362 114.7 Uzbekistan 3 2 112.6 3,837 2,657 44.4 Egypt 3
1,496
Malaysia 3 1 75.1 1,958 1,073 82.5 France 2 1 163.3 600 254 136.5 Jordan 2 0 459.4 900 246 266 Afghanistan 1 2 -33.4 1,229 3,307 -62.8 Italy 1 1 61 594 491 20.9 However, exports to Afghanistan declined, with a 33.4 percent drop in value and a 62.8 percent fall in quantity. Emerging markets like Jordan and Egypt displayed promising potential, while traditional markets like the Netherlands and Greece showed minimal or negative growth. This strong performance highlights the growing global demand for Pakistan’s oil seed exports. 1.1.1.14. Fruit Exports Pakistan is an agricultural country with favourable conditions for growing a wide variety of fruits. The export of fruits plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. In FY 2024, Pakistan’s fruit export sector saw notable growth of 21.3 percent in value and 47.9 percent in quantity due to improved agricultural practices, better market access, and increasing global demand for fresh produce. Major fruits that contributed to the export growth include in the table 25. Table 25: Pakistan’s Major Fruit Exports (FY 2024 vs FY 2023) FRUITS TYPE EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change Total 344 283 21.6 927,509 627,133 47.9 Citrus 103 68 52 410,802 274,668 49.6 Mangoes 117 86 36.1 143,404 108,622 32 Dates 49 31 58.7 119,716 88,872 34.7 Banana 36 18 96.6 212,109 121,081 75.2 Other Fruits 39 80 -51.2 41,479 33,890 22.4 Key Fruit Export Markets Pakistan’s fruit exports reached US$344 million in FY 2024, a 21.3 percent increase, with quantities surging by 47.9 percent to 927,509 metric tons. The UAE led as the top importer, with US$87 million in value (up 21.4 percent) and a 29.4 percent rise in quantity. Afghanistan followed closely, recording a 28.1 percent increase in value and 52.3 percent in quantity. Kazakhstan emerged as a key market, with export value soaring by 106.3 percent and volume by 159.9 percent. The UK, Saudi Arabia, and Oman showed steady growth, while Canada saw a notable 37.5 percent increase in value and 53.9 percent in quantity. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Iraq displayed exceptional growth, with export values skyrocketing by 262.3 percent, 257.6 percent, and 198.6 percent, respectively. However, exports to China and Russia declined significantly, with a 65.8 percent drop in value to China and a 38.1
Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan 2 0 2 4 F Y 41 SECTION-1 2024 percent fall to Russia. This growth highlights Pakistan’s expanding fruit export markets, despite challenges in certain regions. Table 26: Top 20 Fruit Exports Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FRUITS 344 283 21.3 927,509 627,133 47.9 United Arab Emirates 87 71 21.4 200,301 154,759 29.4 Afghanistan 63 49 28.1 404,878 265,844 52.3 Kazakhstan 47 23 106.3 152,178 58,543 159.9 United Kingdom 30 24 24.6 12,366 9,138 35.3 Saudi Arabia 11 11 1.6 14,176 13,720 3.3 Oman 10 9 20.7 21,813 16,338 33.5 Germany 9 8 9.1 4,433 3,802 16.6 U.S. America 7 5 41.6 2,523 1,692 49.1 Philippines 7 6 9.2 16,562 13,210 25.4 Indonesia 6 5 11.1 13,679 11,585 18.1 Canada 5 4 37.5 2,550 1,657 53.9 Russian Federation 5 8 -38.1 10,238 15,457 -33.8 Qatar 5 5 -10.9 7,375 7,510 -1.8 Sri Lanka 5 1 262.3 11,922 3,528 238 China 4 13 -65.8 587 1,219 -51.9 Bangladesh 4 1 257.6 8,035 1,793 348.2 Iraq 3 1 198.6 7,409 2,429 205 Bahrain 3 2 22 3,399 2,828 20.2 Australia 3 2 57.9 1,914 1,112 72.1 Turkey 3 2 11.6 3,090 2,829 9.2 1.1.3. Chemical Exports The chemical sector plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, serving as an important source of industrial raw materials, consumer products, and essential inputs for other industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has the potential to export a wide range of medicines to developing regions. These markets have less stringent regulatory requirements compared to developed countries, making them attractive destinations for Pakistani pharmaceutical exports. During FY 2024, Pakistan’s chemical exports registered a modest increase of 7.9 percent, driven by demand from neighbouring countries and growth in the global pharmaceutical sector. Despite competition from other Asian countries, Pakistan maintained its market presence due to the production of competitively priced chemicals and raw materials. Breakdown of Chemical Exports by Product Category 1. Pharmaceutical Intermediates Pakistan also saw significant exports of pharmaceutical intermediates, which are crucial in the production of medicines and drugs. The country exported US$341 million worth of pharmaceutical chemicals, capitalizing on rising demand in international pharmaceutical markets. 2. Plastic and Polymer Materials Pakistan exported a variety of plastic materials, including raw resins and plastic packaging materials, which totalled US$400 million. This segment saw limited growth, reflecting the global competition and fluctuating demand for plastic products. 3. Other Chemicals With the rise of personal care industries across the world, Pakistan’s export of chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as surfactants and essential oils, amounted to US$755 million, maintaining steady demand from countries in the Middle East and Africa. Table 27: Pakistan’s Chemical Exports (FY 2024 vs FY 2023) Commodities VALUE (MILLION US$) FY 2024 FY 2023 % CHANGE % SHARE CHEMICALS EXPORTS 1,497 1,387 7.9 PLASTIC MATERIALS 400 268 49.3 26.8 PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 341 328 3.9 22.8 OTHER CHEMICALS 755 791 -4.5 50.5 1.1.1.15. Plastic Exports Pakistan’s plastic industry plays a vital role in the economy, contributing significantly to both domestic manufacturing and exports. In FY 2024, plastic exports surged to US$400 million, marking an impressive 49.3 percent growth compared to the previous year. This growth was fuelled by increased global demand for packaging materials, industrial components, and consumer goods. The sector demonstrated remarkable resilience amid global economic challenges, including volatile raw material costs and fluctuating demand. Improved production efficiencies and competitive pricing enabled Pakistani manufacturers to capture a larger share of the international market, positioning the plastic industry as a key driver of export growth.
42 Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan 2 0 2 4 F Y Pakistan’s Plastic Exports by Region (FY 2024) In FY 2024, Pakistan’s plastic materials exports reached US$400 million, a 49.3 percent increase from the previous year, with export quantities rising by 79.3 percent to 378,906 metric tons. The United States emerged as the largest market, importing US$102 million worth of plastics, a staggering 244.6 percent rise, with quantities growing by 337.2 percent. Italy followed with US$64 million in imports, up 42.3 percent, as export volumes nearly doubled to 54,076 metric tons. The UAE ranked third, importing US$41 million, marking a 44.2 percent growth, while Canada showed steady demand with a 21 percent increase in export value and a 62.1 percent rise in volumes. Table 28: Top 20 Plastic Exports Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change PLASTIC MATERIALS 400 268 49.3 378,906 211,350 79.3 U.S. Amer ica 102 29 244.6 103,628 23,701 337.2 Italy 64 45 42.3 54,076 28,573 89.3 United Arab Emirates 41 29 44.2 34,519 22,558 53 Canada 35 29 21 32,772 20,212 62.1 Afghanistan 18 18 2.5 27,973 24,049 16.3 Spain 16 7 138.8 13,984 5,271 165.3 Belgium 16 14 18.7 14,966 11,351 31.9 Bulgaria 13 2 522.4 12,300 2,024 507.7 Germany 7 6 26.1 6,315 3,832 64.8 Qatar 6 10 -33.3 6,163 7,448 -17.3 South Africa 6 9 -35.2 4,479 5,842 -23.3 Greece 6 7 -21 4,219 4,412 -4.4 Turkey 5 4 40.8 4,242 3,058 38.7 Jordan 5 5 6.2 4,062 3,305 22.9 Egypt 5 6 -23.6 4,070 6,784 -40 Saudi Arabia 4 2 140.3 2,811 1,104 154.7 Cyprus 4
3,795
Sri Lanka 4 5 -17.3 3,521 3,198 10.1 Bahrain 4 1 293.8 2,857 576 396 China 4 5 -31.7 4,105 6,052 -32.2 Several smaller markets also recorded significant growth. Spain’s imports surged by 138.8 percent to US$16 million, while Bulgaria exhibited remarkable growth of 522.4 percent in value and 507.7 percent in quantity. However, some markets experienced declines, such as Qatar and South Africa, where export values fell by 33.3 percent and 35.2 percent, respectively. Other notable importers included Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with export values rising 140.3 percent and 293.8 percent, respectively, reflecting strong demand in diversified regions. Despite some declines, the overall robust growth highlights Pakistan’s expanding footprint in the global plastic materials market. 1.1.1.16. Pharmaceutical Exports The pharmaceutical sector is one of Pakistan’s most dynamic and rapidly growing industries. In recent years, the industry has gained significant traction as both a local supplier and a key player in global markets. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports have benefited from the sector’s emphasis on quality, adherence to international standards, and increasing demand for affordable medicines in developing countries. In FY 2024, the pharmaceutical sector continued its upward trajectory, contributing significantly to the country’s overall exports. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports saw a strong growth of 3.9 percent during FY 2024, reaching a total export value of US$341 million. The government’s support for the industry through subsidies and policy reforms aimed at increasing exports, coupled with the pharmaceutical industry’s investment in modern technology, contributed to this growth. Key Markets of Pharmaceutical products Table 29: Top 20 Pharmaceuticals Export Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change PHARMA CEUTICAL PRODUCTS 341 328 3.9 86,895 59,213 46.7 Afghanistan 130 127 2.4 38,731 28,388 36.4 Philippines 25 27 -6.9 2,708 2,244 20.7 Sri Lanka 24 21 13.8 3,629 1,628 122.8 Uzbekistan 21 15 42.4 3,706 2,087 77.6 Cambodia 15 14 4.7 2,568 1,228 109.1 Iraq 14 5 195.2 1,803 562 220.8 France 11 10 10.4 1,864 1,319 41.3 Kenya 9 10 -7 2,485 1,776 39.9 Viet Nam 8 11 -28.9 3,096 2,270 36.4 Myanmar 8 9 -7.8 2,018 1,584 27.4 Thailand 7 2 243.8 2,333 664 251.4 Nigeria 6 6 7.1 1,818 1,675 8.5 Turkey 5 3 67 1,012 615 64.7 U.A.E 4 3 48.5 2,151 918 134.2 Egypt 4 4 0.8 489 331 48 Sudan 4 8 -47.2 949 725 30.9 Singapore 3 7 -56.3 1,438 1,280 12.4 Somalia 3 3 -16.3 2,875 2,195 31 Kazakhstan 3 2 49.9 396 245 61.9 Tanzania 2 2 -0.3 684 501 36.5