Pakistan-China Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $19.03B total volume •Pakistan deficit: $12.03B
Pakistan → China
$3.50B
Exports (2023)
China → Pakistan
$15.53B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$12.03B
Deficit for Pakistan
Total Trade
$19.03B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Pakistan and China. Green line shows exports from Pakistan, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Pakistan-China commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Pakistan → China Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Pakistan's export portfolio to China demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
China → Pakistan Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Pakistan's import pattern from China reveals significant dependencyin electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led), highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Pakistan demonstrates competitive strength in exportingcopper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1 to China, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $19.03B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Pakistan-China Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $19.03 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Pakistan maintains a deficit of $12.03 billion
- Export Focus: Pakistan's primary exports include copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1, copper: unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining, cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from China include electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led), telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks, petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents a significant global trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $19.03B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Pakistan leveraging its comparative advantages in copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Pakistan's specialization in copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1complements China's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led).
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $19.03B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $19.03B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $19.03 billion bilateral trade volume represents a significant economic factorfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1 and electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led) demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Pakistan's trade deficit of $12.03 billion impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Pakistan and China represents a total trade volume of $19.03 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for Pakistan, with imports exceeding exportsby $12.03 billion.
Export Strengths
Pakistan's exports to China total $3.50 billion, with competitive advantages in copper: refined, unwrought, n.e.c. in item no. 7403.1, representing $550.28M or15.7% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from China amount to $15.53 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (led), with Electrical apparatus: photosensitive, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, light-emitting diodes (LED) comprising8.0% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates Pakistan's strategic sourcing from China. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Pakistan and China in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023