Top Export Products from Pakistan to the UK – The Great Trade Opportunity
In the last decade, Pakistan has seen an immense exportation trend to the UK, making it one of the destinations for export market sites in Pakistan. Overall, goods exportations between Pakistan and the UK account for nearly $1.97 billion for 2023, showing a heightened demand in the market for goods and commodities that are sourced from Pakistan. Those exporters looking to start out in exportation activities would be interested in learning about Pakistan’s best-selling goods for the UK exportation.
We shall be discussing the most in demand export products from Pakistan to the UK, sourcing locations, and how you can find buyers for those products in this blog.
1. Textile and Garments – The Leading Export Sector
The textile and garment industry is considered the backbone of Pakistan’s exports. Over 50% of the total exports to the UK are part of this sector. Pakistani textiles have quality, are affordable, and are diversified enough to make them highly sought-after in international markets.
Types of Textile and Garments Exported:
- Ready-made Garments: Men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothes, including jeans, shirts, and dresses.
- Home Textiles: Products include bed sheets, towels, pillow covers, blankets, and curtains.
- Fabrics and Accessories: cotton fabric, synthetic fabric, etc.
Sourcing Locations:
- Karachi– one of the largest textile manufacturing hubs in Pakistan
- Faisalabad: this is termed as the “Manchester of Pakistan.” It has produced a significant portion of Pakistan’s fabric and textile production
- Lahore: some of the textile and garment industries.
In 2023, Pakistan exported textiles and garments worth about $1 billion to the UK, making the sector important in bilateral trade.
2. Rice and Agricultural Products – High Demand in the UK
Pakistani rice, especially Basmati rice, is worldwide acclaimed for its fragrance and long grains. The UK has a large South Asian population that prefers Pakistani rice, hence it becomes an attractive export product.
Types of Agricultural Exports:
- Basmati Rice – High-quality rice with a characteristic aroma.
- Non-Basmati Rice – Low-priced varieties with good quality.
- Fruits and Vegetables – Mangoes, kinnow (oranges), potatoes, and onions are in high demand.
- Spices and Herbs – Red chili, turmeric, and dried ginger.
Sourcing Locations:
- Punjab (for Rice) – A main hub for the high-quality Basmati rice.
- Sindh and Balochistan (for Fruits and Vegetables) – Famous for mangoes, dates, and citrus fruits.
In 2023, Pakistan exported approximately $250 million worth of rice to the UK, a stable and growing market.
3. Leather Products – A Premium Export Category
Pakistan’s leather industry is of high quality, making it a competitive exporter to the UK market. Leather goods such as shoes, jackets, gloves, and bags are in high demand due to their durability and craftsmanship.
Sourcing Locations:
- Sialkot – Famous for sports and leather goods.
- Lahore and Karachi – Headquartered tanning and manufacturing business.
4. Sports Goods – Major Export of Pakistan’s
Sialkot is globally known for high-quality sports manufacturing, including footballs, cricket equipment, and gym equipment. International brands engage in third-party manufacturing of sports products in Pakistan.
Common Sports Products Exported:
- Football (Soccer Balls) –Pakistan is one of the world’s largest suppliers of hand-stitched footballs.
- Cricket Equipment – Bats, balls, gloves, and protective wear.
- Gym and Fitness Accessories – Gloves, weightlifting belts, and others.
5. Surgical Instruments – High-Quality Medical Equipment
Pakistan’s surgical instrument industry also forms a great export sector. Sialkot is also the hub for high-quality international standard surgical instruments.
Source Location:
- Sialkot is the main center for surgical instruments and medical devices.
How to Find Buyers in the UK?
If you plan to start an export business, it will be quite challenging to find buyers. Here are some ways to get in touch with potential buyers in the UK:
- Online B2B Marketplaces – Websites such as Alibaba, ExportHub, and TradeKey help exporters find buyers.
- Trade Exhibitions and Fairs – Attending international trade fairs can be a good way to network with potential buyers.
- UK Importer Directory- There exist several online UK importers verified directories.
- Social Media and networking – LinkedIn Facebook and most business forums must be used
Conclusion
There is a wide range of exportable products in Pakistan that are currently in high demand in the UK market. Whether it is textiles, rice, leather goods, sports items, or surgical instruments, the growth potential is high in each category. Therefore, if rightly done by acquiring the right supply and contacting buyers, businesses would be able to enter the UK export market and enjoy a long-term stint.
If you are looking to start or expand your export business, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities in the UK market!
