Pakistan’s dairy industry is gearing up to tap into China’s rapidly growing appetite for high-quality dairy products. Driven by expanding agricultural cooperation between the two countries, local exporters are positioning themselves to capture a share of China’s lucrative $12.78 billion import market.
Key Drivers & Market Scope
- Surging Chinese Demand: China imported 2.66 million tonnes of dairy products in 2025—a 13.7% year-on-year increase in value. Major import categories include milk powder, whey, cheese, and cream.
- Unlocking the Trade Route: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou recently hosted a strategic webinar to guide around 20 Pakistani and Chinese firms through Chinese regulatory requirements, distribution channels, and commercial opportunities.
- Massive Production Capacity: Pakistan produced a massive 74.69 million tonnes of milk in FY 2025–26, led by buffalo (44.41 million tonnes) and cow milk (28.10 million tonnes). Exporters are equipped to supply UHT milk, butter, ghee, cream, and milk powder.
- International Compliance: Pakistani processing facilities carry Halal certification and have secured export approvals from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Breakthrough Progress & Future Expansion
Bilateral dairy trade has already achieved key operational milestones. Pakistan executed its first historic shipment of camel milk powder to China in April 2025. Furthermore, Royal JW Foods—a joint venture focused on buffalo dairy processing—successfully exported its inaugural batch of concentrated buffalo milk to China. The firm now plans to introduce high-value buffalo yogurt, cheese, and butter to Chinese consumers, paving the way to narrow the bilateral trade gap through sustainable commercial partnerships.
