By Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (China Economic Net) - Pakistan's rice exports to China surged in the first seven months of 2026 to $122.99 million, according to the latest trade statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).

This represents a remarkable 200.49% year-on-year increase compared to the $40.93 million recorded during the same period in 2025. In terms of volume, total shipments grew by 265.55%, leaping from 98,723 metric tons in Jan–July 2025 to 360,887 metric tons in Jan–July 2026, solidifying Pakistan’s position as a premier grain supplier to the Chinese market.

The export basket demand across both whole grain and industrial broken rice categories. Semi or wholly milled long-grain rice (HS 1006.3020) remained the cornerstone of the trade, generating $58.10 million, accounting for over 47% of total rice exports on shipments of 157,329 metric tons, up 76.48% year-on-year. Simultaneously, long-grain broken rice (HS 1006.4020) emerged as the fastest-growing segment, surging by 607.89% to $41.50 million (130,110 metric tons), while short and medium grain broken rice (HS 1006.4080) expanded by 988.07% to reach $23.40 million (73,448 metric tons).

Geographically, Guangdong Province stood out as the leading destination across China, absorbing $41.64 million, or nearly 34% of Pakistan’s total rice shipments to the country. Beijing Municipality ranked second with $37.57 million (30.55% share), followed by Jiangxi Province at $18.82 million (15.30% share), and Jiangsu Province at $8.38 million.

A significant catalyst behind the expansion in the southern provinces was a targeted trade mission undertaken by a high-level delegation from Pakistan’s Rice Exporters Association to Guangzhou. Facilitated and coordinated by Pakistan's Commercial and Trade Counsellor in Guangzhou, the delegation engaged in extensive business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions with leading Chinese grain importers, distributors, and food processing conglomerates. These strategic meetings successfully unlocked direct market access and resulted in several major commercial supply deals, establishing firm purchase commitments that accelerated consignment volumes through Guangdong’s entry ports.

Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistan Consulate Guangzhou, told China Economic Net that rice has become a cornerstone of bilateral trade due to its competitive pricing, high milling quality, and rising utilization in China's food processing and livestock feed sectors. He emphasized that Pakistan can further maximize its export gains by transitioning from bulk raw commodities to higher-value branded packaged basmati, investing in joint ventures for modern seed technology, and leveraging the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement to establish long-term contract farming partnerships tailored directly to South China's market requirements.