India’s decision to halt trade with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack has abruptly suspended the export of Himalayan Pink Salt across the border, affecting a key trade channel. Despite the setback, Pakistan’s salt exporters are seizing the opportunity to diversify into new global markets. With rising global demand and premium retail pricing, producers are ramping up exports to China, the United States, and Europe, while pursuing Geographical Indication (GI) recognition to protect and promote the product's Pakistani origin. The shift signals a broader recalibration in Pakistan’s trade strategy amid persistent geopolitical tensions.
Trade Disruption Amid Diplomatic Fallout
Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India imposed stringent trade restrictions on Pakistan, shutting down the Attari land-transit post and suspending key imports, including the widely sought Himalayan Pink Salt. In a tit-for-tat response, Pakistan also banned all trade with India, including third-country transits. This sudden diplomatic rupture has halted what was once a significant export pipeline for Pakistani salt producers.
The trade halt comes as another chapter in a strained bilateral relationship, already fractured by the Pulwama attack in 2019, which had prompted India to impose a 200% import duty on Pakistani goods. The recent embargo underscores the continued fragility of trade ties between the two nuclear neighbors.
Economic Impact on Salt Trade
Himalayan Pink Salt, primarily extracted from the Khewra mines in Pakistan's Punjab province, is a globally renowned product due to its mineral content and perceived health benefits. In 2024, Pakistan exported approximately 3,50,000 tonnes of the salt, valued at USD 120 million. India, historically one of its largest importers, used to refine and repackage the raw material before exporting it to other markets, further amplifying its economic value.
"The ban has resulted in zero exports to India," stated Mansoor Ahmed, a senior executive at Ghani International. "India often re-exported Pakistani salt at premium prices, creating the illusion of being a top producer."
A Pivot Toward Global Markets
Despite the abrupt loss of the Indian market, Pakistan's salt industry sees a potential silver lining. According to the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), domestic producers are aggressively exploring markets in the U.S., Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.
Notably, exports to China surged by 40% in the first quarter of 2025, with 13.64 million kilograms shipped, amounting to USD 1.83 million. Shehzad Javed, CEO of Ittefaq Companies, noted that global buyers are increasingly recognizing the value of Pakistani-origin salt, with significant interest from the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Brazil.
The potential for expansion is reinforced by pricing dynamics: previously sold in India for Rs. 45–50 per kilogram, the product now retails for Rs. 70–80, demonstrating the potential for greater profit margins in alternative markets.
Geographical Indication Tag: A Strategic Tool
One of the industry’s top priorities is formal recognition of the salt’s origin. The 2020 implementation of Pakistan’s Geographical Indications (GI) Act marks a foundational step. According to SMAP official Ismail Sattur, work is underway to obtain international registration for Himalayan Pink Salt as a GI product of Pakistan.
This designation would legally safeguard the salt’s authenticity, enhance its branding abroad, and potentially open doors to premium pricing in the EU and other regulated markets.
"Once the GI tag is globally recognized, it will protect our export identity and ensure that Pakistani pink salt is no longer sold under Indian labels," said Sattur.
Broader Trade Trends and Implications
The standoff has broader implications for Indo-Pak trade relations. From a peak of nearly USD 3 billion in 2018, bilateral trade has declined to USD 1.2 billion in 2024. Official data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicates that exports to Pakistan amounted to around USD 600 million in FY24–25, while imports were a mere USD 0.42 million.
Ehsan Malik, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, emphasized that despite the official freeze, informal trade—often routed through third countries—remains significant. However, the emphasis now lies in reducing over-reliance on neighboring markets and building direct export ties with global consumers.
Conclusion: From Challenge to Opportunity
What initially appeared to be a major commercial disruption for Pakistan's pink salt industry is now evolving into a strategic opportunity. With shifting trade dynamics, rising global demand, and institutional efforts to protect product authenticity, Pakistan’s salt exporters are well-positioned to capitalize on newer, more lucrative markets.
The Himalayan Pink Salt trade may no longer flow through India, but its journey toward greater global visibility and value continues—with renewed vigor and a clearer identity.
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