Starting an export business, in Pakistan is a way to make money from other countries If you pick the wrong product to start with that is the main reason why new export businesses do not do well This guide will tell you which export products are good why they are good and how to send out your export shipment of export products.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has some good things to export like minerals and textiles and things we grow and make
- The best things for beginners to export are things that people all around the world want to buy and we can easily find here and do not need a lot of money to start
- You do not need to have a big factory to start exporting. You can just find things that people want to buy and then ask people who make these things to make them for you
- Pakistan export products like minerals and textiles and things we grow and make are what keep people buying from us so we should always make sure they are good
- Having a website that looks professional and using websites like Alibaba where businesses buy and sell things is a really good way to find people who want to buy Pakistan export products, like minerals and textiles and things we grow and make
Why Most New Exporters Have A Time
When people think about starting an export business in Pakistan they get stuck on two big questions What should I export How do I find buyers in other countries These are not questions They are the two main problems that people face in this business.
A lot of people who’re new to this make a mistake by choosing products that sound good without checking if they are easy to get in Pakistan easy to send out of the country without a lot of paperwork or if they can be sold with a small amount of money. What happens then Shipments get stuck people lose money Businesses are left behind.
This guide takes away all the uncertainty. Every product listed here has already been tried out by exporters from Pakistan who started with nothing and are now making good money They are exporters, from Pakistan who started from scratch and are now earning revenue from exporting these products.
The Four Things You Need In A Product To Export
Before you pick a product to export you need to think about a things. If a product has all of these things it is an idea to try to export it.
- 🌐 People Want The Product All Around The World
The product needs to be something that people really want to buy in countries, like the USA, UK, UAE, Germany or Canada. - 🇵🇰 You Can Get The Product In Pakistan
You need to be able to get the product quickly from Pakistan. - 📄 Not A Lot Of Paperwork
There should not be a lot of rules or complicated forms to fill out when you want to export the product. - 💰 You Do Not Need A Lot Of Money To Start
You can start exporting with an order you do not need to buy a whole container of products to start exporting the product.
The Top 10 Export Products for Pakistani Beginners
Here is a list of products that’re great for people in Pakistan who are just starting to export things. The list is organized by what kind of product it’s it includes information about how much people want to buy these products, where to sell them and what makes them good for beginners.
Industry 1. Minerals and Raw Materials
Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan Pink Salt is a special product from Pakistan. It is mined in the Khewra Salt Mine in Punjab. People around the world want to buy this salt because it is unique and very good for food, wellness and decoration. Today people make all sorts of things with this salt like salt lamps, candle holders, bath salts, salt bricks and edible salt. These things can be sold for a lot money than just the raw salt.
- Export to: USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Germany
- Investment needed: Not much to a medium amount
- Demand: Very high
Industry 2. Textile and Apparel
Terry Towels
Pakistan is famous for making very good terry cotton towels that are used in hotels, hospitals and homes. These towels are always in demand because they are good quality. You can start by ordering a batch from a manufacturer in Faisalabad or Karachi and you do not need to set up your own factory.
- Export to: UAE, USA, UK Saudi Arabia
- Investment needed: Not much
- Demand: Always there
Bed Sheets, Pillow Covers and Comforters
Bed linen is another thing that Pakistan exports a lot. Comforters, sheets, pillow covers and bed covers are always wanted in countries. Many manufacturers will accept orders, which is great for beginners who are just starting to export.
- Export to: UK, Canada, USA, Europe
- Investment needed: Not much to a medium amount
- Demand: Always there throughout the year
Ready-Made Garments (Jeans, Shirts and Denim)
Pakistan has a big garment manufacturing industry. Denim jeans, shirts and casual wear are sold around the world at good prices. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Canada and USA are the markets for Pakistani clothes. You can start with orders and work with contract manufacturers to fill orders from international buyers.
- Export to: UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Canada, USA
- Investment needed: Can be
- Demand: High and growing
Industry 3. Industrial and Safety Gear
Wiping Rags and Industrial Cleaning Cloth
Wiping rags are pieces of old textile fabric that are cut up and used by oil companies, shipbuilding industries, auto workshops and factories all around the world. Pakistan makes kinds of these rags including recycled rags, cotton cleaning towels and more. They are cheap, easy to find. Can be sold in big quantities with not too much money.
- Export to: All around the world
- Investment needed: little
- Demand: Always there
Leather Safety Gloves
Pakistan has a strong leather industry and safety gloves are a great product to export Industrial-grade leather gloves are bought by construction firms, warehouses and manufacturing facilities in countries. You can start by exporting a quantity, like 10-50 cartons, which makes it easy to start without spending too much money.
- Export to: Germany, USA, France, UK, Netherlands
- Investment needed: Start with 10-50 cartons
- Demand: Strong from businesses
Industry 4. Agriculture and Food Products
Animal Feed (Wheat Straw, Rice Husk and Corn Silage)
Pakistan’s a big agricultural country so it is natural that it exports animal feed products. Wheat straw, rice husk and corn silage are. Exported to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These products do not need processing have stable prices and are always in demand.
- Export to: UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Asia
- Investment needed: Not much
- Demand: Always there
Sesame Seeds
Pakistan grows very good sesame seeds that are used in bakeries, oil extraction and food processing all around the world. These seeds are easy to pack, store and ship. Exporters have found that there is demand from buyers who use sesame oil in cooking and food manufacturing. This is a product for beginners because it is reliable and does not spoil easily.
- Export to: Asia, Middle East Europe
- Investment needed: A amount
- Demand: Growing
Maize / Corn
Pakistan exports corn to many countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Vietnam. Corn is a product because it can be used for food and animal feed, which means there are many buyers. This makes it easier to find people to sell to.
- Export to: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Vietnam
- Investment needed: Not much to a moderate amount
- Demand: Always there because it has two uses
Bonus Pick. Surgical and Medical Instruments
Surgical Instruments (Sialkot Cluster)
Sialkot is famous for making instruments and Pakistan makes over 30% of the worlds surgical instruments. While this requires quality certifications beginners can start by working with manufacturers in Sialkot. Forceps, scissors, clamps and dental instruments are exported to hospitals and medical distributors around the world.
- Export to: USA, Europe Middle East
- Investment needed: A medium amount
- Demand: high because Pakistan is famous, for this product
Here is a Quick Reference Product Comparison Table.
You can use this table to look at all 10 products and figure out which Product Comparison matches what you can afford, where you can get the Product Comparison and the people you want to sell the Product Comparison to.
| Product | Industry | Investment Level | Demand | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Himalayan Pink Salt |
Minerals |
Low |
Very High |
USA, UK, UAE |
|
Terry Towels |
Textile |
Low |
High |
UAE, UK, USA |
|
Bed Sheets & Comforters |
Textile |
Medium |
High |
UK, Canada |
|
Ready-Made Garments |
Apparel |
Flexible |
High |
UAE, Saudi, UK |
|
Wiping Rags |
Industrial |
Very Low |
Consistent |
Global |
|
Leather Gloves |
Industrial |
Low |
High |
Germany, USA |
|
Animal Feed |
Agriculture |
Low |
Consistent |
UAE, Saudi |
|
Sesame Seeds |
Agriculture |
Moderate |
Growing |
Asia, Europe |
|
Maize / Corn |
Agriculture |
Low |
Stable |
Japan, UAE |
|
Surgical Instruments |
Medical |
Medium |
High |
USA, Europe |
💡 Pro Tip Avoid Perishables at First
When you are just starting out it is an idea to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables may seem like an option because Pakistan is a country that grows a lot of food. However fresh fruits and vegetables are goods. Perishable goods like these need care. They need to be kept cold and moved quickly through customs. Perishable goods also need to be packaged in a way. Until you have a lot of experience, with shipping and you have people who can help you with logistics it is better to stick with -perishable products. Non-perishable products are easier to work with.
Starting to Export Without a Lot of Money
People think that to start exporting you need a factory or a lot of money. This is not true in Pakistan. Here manufacturers are willing to work with people who want to export their products.
1. Pick a Product to Export
Choose a product that you can get from a supplier. The best product to start with is one that you can get directly from the supplier, not the one that sounds the most exciting.
2. Find a Manufacturer Directly
Go to the places where products are made. For example if you want to export towels or clothes go to Faisalabad. If you want to export salt talk to the people who process it in Lahore or Khewra. This way you do not have to deal with middlemen. You can control the quality and the price.
3. Make a Website for Your Export Business
Before you try to find buyers make a website that shows all your products and has your contact information. This website is important because it shows buyers that you are a business. When buyers search for you on the internet they will see your website.
4. List Your Products on Export Websites
Sign up on websites like Alibaba, Tradekey and Linton. Put up pictures of your products write down the details and set competitive prices. Respond quickly to people who ask about your products because this shows that you are professional.
5. Get Orders and Work with Your Manufacturer
At first you do not need to keep a lot of products in stock. When you get an order give it to your manufacturer check the quality, arrange, for shipping and send the products. When you start to get orders and understand the process better you can think about making your own products.
6. Always Make Sure Your Products are Good
The quality of your products is the important thing. If you sell products you will only get one chance. But if you sell products people will trust you tell their friends about you and buy from you again. This is how you build an export business.
How to Find International Buyers
Finding buyers is a challenge.. It gets easier if you have the right setup.
Step 1. Identify your target market. Look for countries that import your product in amounts. You can use tools like Trademap.org and UN Comtrade to see import data by country.
They help you find out which countries want your product.
Step 2. Build a website that search engines like. Invest in SEO. This way when a European buyer searches for a “Pakistani terry towels supplier ” your website shows up. Keep your website updated. It works for you all the time at no cost.
Step 3. Use B2B Marketplaces. Sites like Alibaba.com, Tradekey.com and Linton.com are great for Pakistani exporters to find buyers. Make sure your profile is complete verified and updated regularly.
You need to have a profile to attract buyers.
Step 4. Reach out to buyers directly. Don’t wait for them to find you. Look for importers, on LinkedIn. Send them an email with your product catalogue and pricing. Follow up with them in a way.
You have to take the initiative to find buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start an export business in Pakistan with an amount of money sometimes as little as PKR 50,000 to 200,000 depending on the export product. For example export products like wiping rags and animal feed do not require a lot of money to get started. You can grow your export business in Pakistan by using the money you earn to invest in your business of trying to get a lot of money at the beginning.
Yes you need to register your export business with the SECP get an NTN and register with the TDAP, which’s the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. For export products you do not need any special export permits, just the regular business documents.
It really depends on the type of export product you want to export from Pakistan. If you want to export textiles and garments from Pakistan Faisalabad is a city to find these export products. If you want to export salt from Pakistan, Lahore or Khewra are good cities to find this export product. If you want to export instruments or sports goods from Pakistan Sialkot is a good city to find these export products.. Since Karachi is a major port city in Pakistan it is an important city for shipping export products from Pakistan no matter where they come from in Pakistan.
Yes real Himalayan pink salt only comes from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This means that people who export salt from Pakistan have a special advantage that nobody else can copy because they are the only ones who can export real Himalayan pink salt from Pakistan.
Always make sure to check if the buyer is real by using a third party to verify them and ask them to pay you before you ship the export products from Pakistan or ask for a Letter of Credit. You can also use a website like Alibaba to find buyers because they have a system to verify the buyers and make sure they are real. Never ship export products from Pakistan, without making sure you will get paid because that is how you can avoid getting cheated by buyers.
Ready to Begin Exporting?
- Choose a product
- Find a supplier
- Build a website
- Ship your order.
That is it.
You need a product, a supplier, a website and to ship.
