Pakistani Pine nuts exports to China from January-December of 2022 touched nearly USD 53 million, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Wednesday quoting the official data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC). Pakistani sources told China Economic Net that data from GACC showed in 2022, China imported 4666.48 tons of pine nuts from Pakistan worth USD 52.85 million. Overall, China has imported 25481. 466 tons of pine nuts around the world valued more than USD 187 million, and out of that, more than 28% has been imported from Pakistan. Asif Jalil, the owner of Little Lahore a very famous Pakistani cuisine in Beijing, said that Pine nuts have been a staple in Pakistan's cuisine for generations, used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. They are often roasted and added to rice dishes or used as garnish for salads and desserts.

"Pakistani pine nuts are very famous here because of their taste and in addition to their culinary uses in Chinese restaurants, pine nuts also have a range of health benefits, including being a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats", he added. Yar Muhammad Niaz, CEO of Hangzhou Nazi Food a pine nuts exporter from Pakistan told CEN that Pakistani pine nuts are getting popularity in China through an online platform which helps increase Pakistan's pine nuts export to China.

On the other hand, He further said prices rose this year and pine nuts also faced shortages, as floods and fires in May last year destroyed thousands of pine trees in Balochistan's Sherani district, causing very large losses. "Last six months we faced many difficulties in the banking system of Pakistan and opening LC was the main reason to reduce the export of pine nuts from Pakistan to China, the ease of business is not as good as it was one year ago", he mentioned.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP