Pakistan imports over 1mn tons of US soybeans annually, says envoy

Pakistan has emerged as one of the leading global destinations for US soybeans, with annual imports exceeding one million metric tons, highlighting the growing importance of agricultural trade in strengthening Pakistan-US economic ties.

The development came during Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, meeting with Jim Sutter, Chief Executive Officer of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), on the sidelines of the US Soy Connext Conference in Chicago, read a statement on Saturday.

During the meeting, Sheikh expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan–US economic cooperation and the constructive engagement between the two countries in the areas of trade and investment. He underscored the important role of agricultural trade in strengthening the bilateral economic relationship.

The envoy noted that Pakistan has emerged, within a relatively short period, as one of the leading global destinations for US soybeans, with annual imports exceeding one million metric tons.

He said the growing trade reflects both Pakistan’s expanding domestic demand and the considerable potential for mutually beneficial commercial partnerships between Pakistani and U.S. businesses.

Ambassador Sheikh highlighted significant opportunities to further deepen bilateral cooperation across the soybean value chain, including through enhanced trade, stronger business-to-business linkages, technical collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Jim Sutter recalled USSEC’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Pakistani stakeholders.

He highlighted USSEC’s continued engagement through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, industry training, and nutrition awareness programs aimed at supporting the sustainable development of Pakistan’s feed, poultry, dairy, and food-processing sectors.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement and explore opportunities to further expand cooperation in the soybean sector as an important component of the broader Pakistan–U.S. economic partnership.