Pakistani brands are using the China International Import Expo in Shanghai to chase new buyers in the world's second-largest economy, as exports to China surged by more than 40 per cent this year. The ninth expo runs from 5 to 10 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, and Pakistani firms are exhibiting everything from herbal products to leather goods and precious stones.

Hemani Herbals, one of Pakistan's largest producers of natural and herbal goods, carries more than 2,500 products and already ships to over 85 countries. Its Pakistan Pavilion booth on 6 November drew Chinese importers, distributors and e-commerce buyers, with live-streamed selling aimed at Chinese consumers.

Exports to China up 40.5 per cent

The push comes on the back of strong trade figures. Pakistan's exports to China reached $2.386 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 40.51 per cent from $1.698 billion in the same period of 2025, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan. Refined copper led the growth, with refined unwrought copper exports up 68.51 per cent, while sesame seeds rose 86.90 per cent and fishmeal expanded 146.95 per cent.

Refined metals, agriculture and textiles drove the increase, but the range of goods finding Chinese buyers is widening to include leather goods, handicrafts, fashion, precious stones and health products. Zhejiang province was the largest regional destination, taking $746.44 million of Pakistani goods.

The growth reflects tariff concessions under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, which is being negotiated further to open access for value-added goods. For Pakistani exporters, the expo's buyer matchmaking and subsidised country pavilion offer a direct route into a market of 1.4 billion consumers.