Pakistan’s pine nut exports to China double

June 02, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s pine nut exports to China have recorded strong growth in recent years, supported by rising Chinese demand for premium and nutritious food products, according to a report by China Economic Net (CEN).

Harvested primarily from the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, chilgoza pine nuts are recognized for their distinctive taste, nutritional benefits, and natural cultivation.

Despite their reputation for quality, Pakistani pine nuts still hold only a limited share of China’s expanding premium nut market.

Pakistan’s chilgoza forests are mainly located in North and South Waziristan, along with parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Associate Professor Amjad Zarin of Jilin International Studies University said North and South Waziristan contribute around 80–85% of the country’s total production.

Annual output is estimated at 1,700–2,000 metric tons in North Waziristan and 800–900 metric tons in South Waziristan, bringing Pakistan’s overall production to approximately 2,100–2,900 metric tons per year, according to APP.

China has emerged as the leading destination for Pakistani pine nuts, fueled by growing consumer interest in healthy snacks and imported food products.

Data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) showed export volumes from Pakistan to China increased from 579.8 tons in 2023 to 1,147 tons in 2025, nearly doubling over the period.

Export earnings also climbed significantly, rising from $8.2m in 2023 to $18.8m in 2024 before easing slightly to $17.9m in 2025.

Abdul Mateen, Chief Executive Officer of AM Enterprises, said his company has been supplying pine nuts to China for more than a decade.

He noted that Chinese consumers favor Pakistani chilgoza for its thin shell, crisp texture, and mild flavor. According to industry estimates, around 80–90% of Pakistan’s pine nut exports are now shipped to China.

Mateen highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration between the two countries in agricultural processing and value-added exports.

Areas identified for cooperation include cleaning and sorting technologies, dehydration systems, roasting and processing facilities, advanced packaging solutions, cold-chain logistics, and e-commerce platforms.

Industry participants believe such investments could improve product quality, extend shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses, and help Pakistani exporters expand their presence in international retail markets.

Strong overseas demand has also pushed domestic prices higher.

Traders reported retail pine nut prices in Islamabad ranging between Rs4,500 and Rs8,000 per kilogram during 2025–26, while premium export-grade products can fetch as much as Rs12,000 per kilogram.

In China, average prices stood at around RMB130 per kilogram in 2025.

Amjad Zarin said chilgoza prices in Wana Bazaar increased from around Rs2,200–2,500 per kilogram in 2025 to nearly Rs2,700 per kilogram during the winter season, with prices remaining broadly stable so far this year.

Market observers view China as the most promising destination for Pakistani pine nuts due to its large consumer base and growing appetite for premium imported foods.

However, the sector continues to face challenges including limited processing capacity, inadequate packaging infrastructure, and inconsistent quality standards.

Experts believe improvements in processing, branding, certification, and supply chain management, combined with stronger partnerships with Chinese investors and food-processing companies, could help Pakistan capture a larger share of China’s premium nut market and boost value-added agricultural exports.

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