Pakistan’s exports to five major southern Chinese markets reached $549.15 million in H1 2026, driven by minerals, cotton yarn, rice and agro-food products.
Pakistan’s exports to five major provinces and regions in southern China recorded significant growth during the first half of 2026, reflecting rising demand for Pakistani minerals, textiles and agricultural products.
According to trade data compiled from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), exports to Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Hunan and Hainan reached $549.15 million in January-June 2026. The figure represents a 31.9% increase from $416.19 million recorded during the same period last year.
The five markets collectively generated an additional $132.96 million in exports, with Guangxi recording the strongest percentage growth.
Guangxi Leads Export Growth
Pakistan’s exports to Guangxi surged 172.4%, reaching $58.11 million compared with $21.33 million in H1 2025.
The sharp increase was largely supported by shipments of unrefined copper and copper anodes for electrolytic refining. Zinc ore and unwrought lead also contributed to the expansion. Improved connectivity between Gwadar and China’s western regions under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is also supporting trade opportunities.
Hainan posted the second-highest growth rate, with imports from Pakistan rising 91.4% to $17.03 million. The increase was primarily linked to newly established shipments of zinc and lead ores, along with antimony and iron ore concentrates.
Fujian and Guangdong Remain Key Markets
Fujian remained the largest destination among the five markets, with Pakistani exports increasing 24.8% to $230.39 million. Cotton yarn was a major contributor, while chromium ore and frozen sardines also recorded growth.
Guangdong followed with exports worth $227.73 million, up 20.8% year-on-year. Copper anodes remained a major import, while broken rice, frozen cuttlefish and squid posted notable gains.
Meanwhile, exports to Hunan increased 23.8% to $15.88 million. Growth was spread across sesame seeds, chromium ore, copper ore, milled rice and cotton yarn.
Minerals and Agro-Food Products Drive Momentum
Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellor in Guangzhou, Muhammad Imran, said demand for processed minerals, cotton yarn, rice and sesame seeds had strengthened due to competitive pricing and stable supply.
He added that Pakistani exporters had secured bulk orders following business-to-business engagements in South China. The opening of China’s maize market to Pakistani exporters is also expected to support further growth in the second half of 2026.
Pakistan’s trade mission is focusing on three major sectors—minerals, textiles and agro-food products—to expand market access and connect local exporters with Chinese buyers.