Is China the next stop for Pakistan’s meat exports?

Pakistan's meat industry stands at a critical juncture, facing both significant challenges and promising opportunities. Despite being a major producer of meat, with an output of 5.809 million metric tons in 2024, the country's export potential remains largely untapped due to structural issues plaguing the sector. These challenges range from the absence of a robust livestock traceability system to the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and from the lack of large-scale feedlots to the persistence of informal, undocumented supply chains.

However, amidst these obstacles, a ray of hope emerges in the form of Pakistan's strategic geographical position and its growing presence in niche markets. The country has carved out a significant market share in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the fresh or chilled bovine meat segment. This success, while noteworthy, also highlights the need for diversification as global meat consumption trends shift towards frozen and processed products.

The recent breakthrough of The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL) in the Chinese market serves as a testament to the untapped potential of Pakistan's meat industry. This development opens up new avenues for Pakistan's meat sector, but does it have the potential to convert Pakistan from a regional player to a global competitor?