Pakistan's Mineral Sector Continues To Thrive As Key Exporter To China In 2025

In the first half of 2025, Pakistan's mineral sector remained the top exporter to China, as per Chinese customs data. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) reported that copper and its derivatives led exports, valued at US$482.41 million from January to June 2025. This was a slight decrease from US$504.53 million in the same period last year, mainly due to lower global copper prices.

Refined copper products generated US$266.67 million, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). Exports of unrefined copper and anodes for electrolytic refining increased to US$153 million from US$132.16 million in 2024. Additionally, copper waste and scrap added another US$36.34 million to the total export value.

Iron ore and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites, experienced a 14% rise to US$39.03 million, driven by strong demand from Chinese steel mills. However, zinc ore shipments decreased to US$55.24 million from US$63.04 million, while chromium ore exports dropped by half to US$31.58 million due to reduced stainless-steel production.

Industry experts predict that minerals will continue to dominate Pakistan's exports to China. This is supported by tariff reductions under the second phase of the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and enhanced transport infrastructure through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"We are seeing sustained appetite from Chinese buyers for copper and iron ore, and are working to expand processing capacity to capture more value," said Owais Mir, founder and CEO of Dynamic Engineering & Automation (DEA) Group.

With China's industrial sector increasingly focusing on electric vehicles and renewable energy—both heavily reliant on copper and other metals—Pakistan's mineral exports are expected to maintain their robust performance in the coming years.

With inputs from WAM