- Bilateral agri-food trade has grown significantly in recent years, with Canada exporting hundreds of millions (e.g. C$600M in 2023[3]) and Pakistan exporting over $360M to Canada (FY2023)[4].
- Canada’s top exports to Pakistan include canola (rapeseed) oil and seed (45% of exports[5]), and pulses like peas (~$47M in 2023[6]), lentils and chickpeas. Pakistan’s exports to Canada are led by basmati rice (≈$18.4M in 2023[7]) and fruits/vegetables.
- Shared strengths: Canada’s advanced farming tech and processing bolster Pakistan’s food security needs, while Pakistan’s large population and growing economy open market opportunities. The countries exchange expertise (e.g. seed genetics, agri-machinery) and look to resolve trade barriers (fumigation rules were under discussion[8]).
- Government & investors are upbeat: Canada has opened an Indo-Pacific Agri-Food office (Philippines) as part of its strategy, indicating focus on Asia[9]. Both governments have held high-level talks on joint R&D and infrastructure. A Pakistan-Canada Chamber of Commerce promotes canola, lentil and technology ties[10][2].
- Strategic context: With no free-trade pact yet[11], custom duties remain moderate. Business delegates and trade missions (e.g. recent Team Canada missions) spotlight agri-food sectors. Both countries see agriculture as key for investment: Pakistan’s agro-industry (21% of GDP[12]) and Canada’s innovative agritech (1.4% of GDP[1]) offer a strong base for joint ventures.
Trade and Economic Overview
Canada and Pakistan’s merchandise trade hit about $1.1 billion in 2020[13]. Canadian exports to Pakistan that year were ≈$669M and imports ≈$438M[13]. Agriculture drives much of this: Pakistan is one of the most important markets for Canadian canola, pulses and grain. A recent Pakistan government report shows Pakistan’s FY2023 exports to Canada reached $360.7M[4]. Though this included textiles, a portion is agri-exports (notably rice and fruits). Canada’s exports to Pakistan remain robust: Pakistani officials estimate Canadian agro-food exports around C$600M annually[3]. Overall, trade values fluctuate year-to-year, but the trend is upward as both economies expand (Pakistan’s GDP growing ~5% annually[14] and Canada’s agri-system contributing ~$149B or 7% of GDP[15]).
Key Commodities & Markets
Canada’s Ag Exports to Pakistan: The dominant commodity is canola (rapeseed) – oil and seed – which alone accounts for roughly 45% of Pakistan’s imports from Canada[5]. Canadian canola is vital for Pakistan’s edible oil sector. Canada also exports pulses (lentils, peas, chickpeas) to meet Pakistan’s rising demand for protein foods. In 2023, Pakistan imported 100 million kg of dried peas from Canada (≈$47.4M)[6], making Canada the top supplier. Lentils, though lower volume, are also shipped. Other exports include wheat (flour/oats), honey and processed foods. The Bank of Habib notes “rapeseed and dried legumes are among Canada’s top exports to Pakistan”[16], reflecting these crop ties. Pakistan’s Exports to Canada: Pakistan sends Canada quality rice (especially basmati), fresh and prepared fruits (mangoes, citrus), and some vegetables. Canadian tariff data show Pakistan supplied about $18.4M in rice to Canada in 2023[7]. Fruit and vegetable preparations (jam, pickles) are niche but growing segments. Textiles dominate Pakistan’s exports overall, but in the food realm, rice is key. For both countries, halal meat is an emerging trade interest: Pakistan produces halal poultry and beef which could meet a small Canadian demand. Overall, Pakistani agriproducts are known for flavor (mango, rice) and open new choices for Canadian consumers.Cooperation and Policy Initiatives
Both governments actively promote agriculture ties. In early 2023, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister and Canada’s Agri-Food Minister met to boost cooperation in R&D, irrigation and forestry[17]. Canada offered technical cooperation in all areas of agri-industry and they agreed to resolve a longstanding fumigation issue (a phytosanitary barrier) on Canadian canola shipments to Pakistan[18]. Such exchanges underscore a positive dialogue: Pakistan seeks Canadian expertise in farm machinery, seed genetics and storage, while Canada values Pakistan’s market growth. Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy has also deepened agri-links: Canada opened an Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (in Manila) to spur trade and tech partnerships in Asia[9]. Pakistan, as an Indo-Pacific partner, stands to gain from this focus. For example, Canada’s trade missions (e.g. Team Canada trade mission to Japan and Asia) include agri-food sectors[19], promoting Canadian innovations (smart farms, sustainability) to Pakistani stakeholders. Meanwhile, Pakistani delegations visit Canada’s agri-tech clusters (Saskatchewan, Alberta) to learn modern farming, grain handling and genetics. At the industry level, the Canada-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistan-Canada chamber advocate joint ventures. They highlight opportunities: Canadian firms can invest in Pakistan’s water/irrigation projects, cold storage and food processing plants; Pakistani investors can tap Canadian farmlands and processing plants for export crops. Both countries participate in international forums (WTO, APEC) to expand market access. While a formal Pakistan-Canada FTA is not yet in place[11], the existing Preferential Trade Agreements and reductions on most tariffs make it relatively easy to trade key commodities.Market Potential and Investments
Pakistan’s population (≈240 million) is growing rapidly, fueling food demand. Its arable land and varied climate produce staples (rice, wheat, fruits) – a base that Canadian technology can boost (e.g. disease-resistant seeds, farm equipment). For instance, Pakistan’s livestock breeding is improving via Canadian embryo and semen imports[20]. Canada, for its part, benefits from diversifying export markets beyond the U.S. Pakistani consumers show increasing interest in proteins (lentils, peas, meat), edible oils (canola), and packaged foods – markets ripe for Canadian exporters[21][6]. One analysis found Pakistan could import millions of dollars more of Canadian grains and pulses if tariff and regulatory barriers ease. Similarly, Canadian importers see Pakistani tropical and specialty products (mangoes, guavas, rice) as value-added niches. Joint investment trends include building cold-chain logistics in Pakistan for perishables and expanding milling/processing capacity for pulses in Canada targeting South Asian diaspora markets. Canada’s agri-innovation also offers a public good benefit: climate-smart farming techniques and digital tools shared with Pakistani partners can boost yields and resilience, while Pakistani agricultural universities collaborate on crop research. Development agencies and the international Canada assistance have funded small projects (via the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives-Pakistan) that link farmers and scientists across both countries.Building on Complementary Strengths
This Canada–Pakistan agricultural relationship is a win-win. Canada’s large-scale grain farms and food-processing industry complement Pakistan’s fertile lands and burgeoning consumer base. Pakistan imports a major share of its edible oil and pulses from Canada, while Canada imports fragrant rice and fruits from Pakistan. Canada have strong Pakistani diaspora, creating trust and business networks that smooth trade. Indeed, over 215,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin[22] foster people-to-people links that aid trade deals and investment decisions. Policymakers in Ottawa and Islamabad see cooperation as strategically important. Agriculture trade aligns with broader goals; ensuring food security in a changing climate and diversifying markets. Canada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and Pakistan’s goals for rural development and export growth naturally intersect. Investors are noting this synergy. Current projects range from setting up oilseed crushing plants in Pakistan (to refine Canadian canola locally) to launching direct shipment routes for Pakistani perishables to Canada. Both governments and business groups urge continued dialogue. For example, recommendations have been made for a limited preferential trade agreement focusing on agri-products (offering tariff cuts on Canadian grains in exchange for Pakistani fruits)[5]. While full FTA talks have been cautious, stakeholder studies emphasize balanced access: Canadians could gain from importing more rice, fruits and sugar from Pakistan, while Pakistani importers accept duty-free canola, soybeans and chickpeas[23]. Such alignment ensures neither side faces undue risk – instead, each taps the other’s comparative advantages.Conclusion
Canada and Pakistan’s agricultural partnership is rooted in mutual benefit. By blending Canada’s expertise and surpluses (grains, oilseeds, agri-tech) with Pakistan’s growing market and production capacity (rice, fruits, crops), both countries can boost incomes, jobs and food security[2][1]. Recent trade growth and high-level cooperation signal strong momentum. Looking ahead, deeper policy coordination (e.g. harmonized standards, investment incentives) and investor engagement will be key. Policymakers and businesses on both sides see a bright future, through collaboration in farm research, infrastructure and trade facilitation, Canada–Pakistan agri-food ties promise lasting prosperity and resilience for farmers, consumers and economies alike. * Dr. Muhammad Jahanzaib is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of Diamanium Thinkers, a global think tank. He holds a PhD in International Relations, specializing in the intersection of politics and economics in Pakistan’s foreign and domestic policy. A double gold medalist and published scholar, he writes on economic intelligence, economic diplomacy, political economy, AI, and regional cooperation in South Asia and beyond. He can be reached at jahanzaibdgc@gmail.com. References: [1] [15] Overview of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector – agriculture.canada.ca https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview [2] [3] [8] [14] [17] [18] Pakistan, Canada to boost cooperation in development of agriculture sector https://www.app.com.pk/business/pakistan-canada-boost-cooperation-development-agriculture-sector/ [4] Report on External Trade https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/external_trade/Annual_Analytical_Report_on_External_Trade_Statistics_of_Pakistan_FY2023.pdf [5] [23] Potential for a Pakistan – Canada Free Trade Agreement | Pakistan Business Council https://www.pbc.org.pk/research/potential-for-a-pakistan-canada-free-trade-agreement/ [6] Pakistan Dried peas, shelled imports by country | 2023 | Data https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/PAK/year/2023/tradeflow/Imports/partner/ALL/product/071310 [7] Canada Rice imports by country | 2023 | Data https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/CAN/year/2023/tradeflow/Imports/partner/ALL/product/1006 [9] [19] Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy – 2022 to 2023 Implementation Update https://www.international.gc.ca/transparency-transparence/indo-pacific-indo-pacifique/2022-2023.aspx?lang=eng [10] [12] [20] AGRICULTURE – Canada Pakistan Chamber of Commerce https://canadapakistan.org/agriculture/ [11] [21] Pakistan – Tradecommissioner.gc.ca https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/en/market-industry-info/search-country-region/country/canada-pakistan-export.html [13] [22] Canada-Pakistan relations https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/pakistan/relations.aspx?lang=eng [16] Trade Financing: Unlocking Global Opportunities in Canada https://habibcanadian.com/blogs/trade-financing-unlocking-global-opportunities-for-canadian-exporters-in-2025/