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Pakistan Packaging Sector

Pakistan’s packaging sector offers significant business opportunities to U.S. companies across all sub-sectors. The sector acts as a major backend support multiplier for export-oriented and domestic industries. Packaging is the fifth largest sector in Pakistan and the second largest sector in the South Asia region after India.

Generally, the local packaging market is categorized into three segments – (1) paper & cardboard, (2) plastics, and (3) metal/tinplate. The total size of the domestic packaging sector is approximately $5.4 billion, which grew by approximately 4% as compared to the previous fiscal year. With a median domestic production base, Pakistan relies on imports for sourcing raw materials, machinery, and equipment. The United States, China, Thailand, Germany, and UAE are Pakistan’s major trading partners.   

During Pakistan’s fiscal year of 2023-2024, which runs from July to June, domestic demand for used or recycled paper grew by approximately 40%. This sub-sector holds the largest market share of over 65%, followed by plastics 

with 20%, and metal/tinplate with a 15% share. The primary demand for paper and cardboard is mainly driven by retail and consumer products and there are over 500 local small-to-medium size companies dealing in manufacturing and distribution of these products. The plastics segment is mainly driven by the local beverage and pharmaceuticals sector, while the metal sub-sector’s demand comes from edible oil, canned food and beverages, and industrial chemicals. 

With a population of over 240 million people, Pakistan offers significant opportunities for U.S. companies dealing in the Pakistani packaging sector.  Some of major export prospects in packaging are:

  • Plates, sheets, films, foil and strips
  • Sacks and bags
  • Paper and paperboard
  • Casks, drums, cans, boxes, and similar container products
  • Articles of conveyance or packaging of goods
  • Self-adhesive plates, sheets, films, foil, tape, strips, and other flat shapes

For more information contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Pakistan: Hassan Raza, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: Hassan.Raza@trade.gov.

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