BEIJING, Jun 23 (APP): Pakistan’s export of animal-origin flours and meals to China surged by 16% from January to May 2025, reflecting a growing trade dynamic in agro-based commodities between the two countries.
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, Pakistan exported 21,138,180 kilograms of flours, meals, and pellets made of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other meat by-products under commodity code 23012010—mainly used for animal feeding. The export reached a total value of $19.87 million in the first five months of 2025, compared to $17.17 million in the same period last year. The average unit price stood at $0.94 per kilogram.
Industry experts say the increase is driven by China’s expanding demand for high-protein animal feed to support its livestock and aquaculture sectors. Pakistani fishmeal, predominantly sourced from marine fish waste, is favored for its cost-effectiveness and stable protein content, China Economic Net reported.
Abid Ali an exporter of flours and meals of fish, used in animal feeding said Pakistan continues to enhance the quality of its fishmeal exports, comparisons with domestic Chinese fishmeal indicate a competitive oil yield rate of approximately 8-10%. However, Pakistani exports show slightly lower oil yields, generally ranging from 5-7%, due to differences in raw material composition and processing methods.
“In the Chinese market, Pakistani fishmeal is not typically sold through retail channels. Instead, it is absorbed by the food processing and feed manufacturing industries, especially in Guangdong, Shandong, and Fujian provinces, where it is used in formulations for poultry, swine, and aquaculture feed”, he added.
Analysts suggest the trend may continue through the year, supported by stable fishing activities in Pakistan’s coastal regions and Beijing’s favorable import policies under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) Phase-II.
With further investments in processing technology and quality assurance, Pakistan could expand its market share in China’s animal feed segment, contributing to both nations’ agricultural and trade cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
It is to be noted that in 2024, Pakistan exported 22639.95 tons of flours & meals of fish, used in animal feeding, valued at $24.92 million. Peru, Chile and Russia are the top exporters of this product to China in 2024 with value of $1.466 billion, $291 million and $271 million, respectively.
APP/asg