Figures on this page were checked in September 2026. Sources are listed with each figure. Fiscal years in Pakistan run from July to June.
The short answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How big is it? | Pine nut exports to China reached $17.9 million in 2025 |
| Where is it made? | Waziristan (pine nuts), Balochistan and Khairpur (dates), traded in Quetta and Peshawar |
| Is the US a buyer? | Pine nuts go mainly to China. Dates and dried fruit go to the Gulf, the UK, Europe and the US. |
| Do you buy our goods? | No. We are your US partner, not a distributor. You sell directly to US buyers. |
| Our commission | 2 percent of paid orders from buyers we introduce |
Pakistan's dry fruits and nuts exports: the numbers
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pine nut (chilgoza) exports to China, 2025 | $17.9 million (1,147 tons) | China customs data, as reported by Arab News |
| Share of pine nut exports going to China | About 80 to 90 percent | Traders, as reported by Arab News |
| Pakistan's chilgoza production | About 2,100 to 2,900 tons a year | Jilin International Studies University, via APP |
What the numbers mean
Most Pakistani pine nuts now go to China. The US buys pine nuts too, and has a large South Asian and Middle Eastern community that buys dried fruit and nuts all year.
Where it is made
North and South Waziristan produce about 80 to 85 percent of Pakistan's pine nuts. Quetta and Balochistan supply dates and almonds, and Gilgit-Baltistan supplies dried apricots. Peshawar is a major dry fruit trading hub. Khairpur in Sindh is known for dates.
Where it is sold
Pine nuts go mainly to China. Dates and dried fruit go to the Gulf, the UK, Europe and the US. Across all products, the US bought $5.76 billion of goods from Pakistan in 2025, more than any other country.
Products we help you sell
- Almonds, walnuts and pine nuts
- Dried apricots and figs
- Raisins and dates
- Mixed dry fruit gift boxes
Who buys dry fruits and nuts in the US
- Ethnic grocery distributors
- Gift box companies
- Online grocery stores
- Bakery and sweet makers
Large US channels in this field
- South Asian and Middle Eastern grocery distributors
- Nut and dried fruit packers
- Gift box and snack brands
- Online grocery sellers
We name these companies and events to show the kind of buyer in this field. It does not mean we have a relationship with them.
A business partner, not a distributor
Many Pakistani dry fruits and nuts makers sell through distributors and importers. That can be good business, and we can help you win distributors as buyers. But when a distributor stands between you and the market, your name rarely reaches the end buyer and much of the value stays abroad.
We work differently. We are your US office and sales team, working for you:
| A distributor | Pak Export Partners | |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns the goods | The distributor buys your goods and owns them | We never own your goods |
| Whose name the buyer sees | Often the distributor's brand, not yours | Your company and your brand |
| Who sets the resale price | The distributor, with its own markup | You set your price. We add no markup |
| How they earn | A margin on every unit they resell | A monthly fee plus commission only on paid orders |
| Who keeps the buyer list | The distributor | You. Every buyer contact is in your monthly report |
Because we do not buy your goods, we have no reason to push your price down. We win when you get paid.
US rules to know before you ship
- Your facility must be registered with the FDA, have a US agent, and send FDA prior notice before each shipment arrives. The US importer must also check you as a supplier under the FDA foreign supplier rules.
- Nuts are major food allergens and must be listed on labels.
- Moisture and aflatoxin control matter. Buyers may ask for lab tests.
We are not a licensed customs broker or regulatory consultant. For work that needs a license, we coordinate licensed US partners and include them in your plan. See our US labeling guide and customs guide.
How we help
- A US company, Chicago address and US phone, so buyers deal with an American business
- A website and catalog with US sizes, US prices and quote forms, built to be found on Google
- Cold outreach to US buyers in this product line, with samples shipped from Chicago
- Buyer checks before you ship on credit
- Retail sales through Amazon USA or your own Shopify store, where it fits
We work with dry fruits and nuts makers and exporters anywhere in Pakistan, especially in Quetta, Peshawar.
Commission for this industry
On our US Sales Desk plans, commission for dry fruits and nuts is 2 percent of paid orders from buyers we introduce. You pay nothing on orders that are not paid, and nothing on your existing buyers. See all prices.
Common questions
Do dry fruits need FDA registration?
Yes. The facility that packs them must be registered with the FDA and each shipment needs prior notice.
Do nut products need allergen labels?
Yes. Tree nuts are major allergens under US law and must be named on the label.
Do you buy dry fruits and nuts from us and resell them?
No. We are not a distributor. We never own your goods. You sell directly to US buyers, and we earn a monthly fee plus commission only on paid orders.
Can you help us sell to US distributors?
Yes. Distributors are often good buyers. We find them, present your products and follow up, and you keep the relationship and set your price.