ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (ABC): Pakistan’s pink salt exports reached $36 million in FY26, while export volume increased to more than 148,000 tonnes, as the government stepped up efforts to strengthen the product’s geographical identity, international recognition and value addition.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, pink salt exports increased from $35 million in FY25 to $36 million in FY26.
Export volume recorded stronger growth, rising from 127,924 tonnes to 148,071 tonnes during the same period.
Pakistan possesses estimated rock salt reserves of more than 65 million metric tonnes, according to Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) figures cited in the documents.
PMDC-controlled reserves exceed 36 million metric tonnes. They comprise pink rock salt from the Salt Range region and grey salt from the Kohat Saline Series. Pakistan’s salt deposits have purity levels of up to 99%.
Pakistan strengthens Khewra Pink Rock Salt identity
A key part of the government’s strategy focuses on strengthening the association of pink salt with its Pakistani geographical origin.
International markets commonly refer to the product as “Himalayan Pink Salt.” Pakistan, however, has registered and promoted it under the geographical identity “Khewra Pink Rock Salt” to reinforce its origin-based identity.
Pakistan registered Khewra Pink Rock Salt as a Geographical Indication (GI) on July 18, 2022. The GI currently has 17 authorised users.
The government has also initiated efforts to secure international registration of the pink salt GI to strengthen its recognition in overseas markets.
Dedicated HS code introduced
The government has also taken measures to improve the recording and regulation of pink salt exports.
Previously, no exclusive Harmonised System code existed for the product. The Ministry of Commerce therefore took up the matter with Pakistan Customs and the Federal Board of Revenue.
As a result, authorities assigned HS Code 2501.0021 specifically to pink salt to maintain a proper record of exports. The government adopted the change through the Finance Bill 2023-24.
Another measure involved introducing a minimum export price of $130 per metric tonne.
The measure aims to prevent under-invoicing of Pakistani pink salt at the export stage.
Pink salt promoted at global exhibitions
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has also promoted pink rock salt at major international exhibitions and trade platforms.
Pakistan made the product a central feature of its pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka under the theme “Universe in a Grain of Salt.”
The pavilion featured pink rock salt installations and information about the history of Pakistan’s salt industry. It also included a video on the Khewra Salt Mines, a digital interactive table and a Healing Garden.
The displays highlighted Pakistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and economic potential.
TDAP has also supported the participation of Pakistani salt companies in FoodAg Karachi and major international exhibitions.
These include Gulfood in the UAE, Anuga in Germany, SIAL events in France, Canada and Malaysia, Foodex Japan and MIHAS in Malaysia.
The authority has also organised buyer-seller meetings and trade delegations. Other measures include product profiling, market intelligence and capacity-building programmes.
The government’s efforts focus on protecting the Pakistani identity of Khewra Pink Rock Salt, improving export documentation and pricing, and expanding its international promotion.
Long-term product-specific commercial branding, meanwhile, remains primarily the responsibility of private-sector authorised users.
