Pakistan Meat Exports: Strategizing Productivity Enhancement. A Policy Paper
Shoaib Sarwar, Dr. Muhammad Aleem
Abstract
This chronicle encompasses the value chain of Pakistan Meat Exports with the help of industry stakeholders.
Global Halal food trade is believed to be approximately US$ 1.3 billion, which was US$ 0.5 billion, annually, just 5-6
years ago. The case study of country’s meat export has indicated the existing condition of farmers, meat processors,
exporters, target markets, supply chains management, marketing approaches, financial constraints, and sustainability of
business. The exporters have been competing in 8-10% share of carcass (meat with bones) market globally and
neglecting 90-92% share of boneless and value added meat products internationally. India has become the largest
exporter of meat products in 2017 with 1,925,000 Metric Tons and China’s growing population and demand for food
products have made them one of the biggest importers of meat/meat products (950,000 Metric Tons), respectively in
recent years as illustrated by USDA. FAO has stated that human meat protein consumption will rise from 25.5 kg to 37
kg by 2030. The research methodology used for this policy paper is semi structured interviews and meetings with meat
industry stakeholders. Pakistan meat export is at 35,388 Metric tons and worth of US$ 244 million (2015) which
constitutes predominantly the chilled carcass meat. Its value added meat products has negligible share in global market
due to non-reliable supply chain, lack of local meat brands, and poorly managed marketing strategies. Majority of our
meat exporters have been dealing with Pakistani expatriates overseas which has high risk due to financial fragility.
Proposals and recommendations have been submitted on small to medium term and medium to long term strategies to
increase the profitability and productivity of meat export sector of Pakistan. It is highly recommended to establish local
meat brands, which will aid the industry to learn with meat production, processing, supply chain, and marketing
management to further compete in world meat market. Nevertheless, it is only possible after de-capping the price of meat
in the local markets.