The Australian government has announced that Pakistan has approved market access for genetically modified (GM) canola from Australia, creating new export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers.
Australia is a trusted supplier of canola to Pakistan, with non-GM canola exports valued at $506 million in the last financial year, making Pakistan one of Australia’s key markets.
Around 46 per cent of Australia’s canola production is genetically modified, and all commercially approved GM varieties are now cleared for import into Pakistan. This new access opens further opportunities for food, feed and processing supply chains.
“This new market access in Pakistan is another way the Australian government is delivering for Australian farmers, producers, and regional communities,” said minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins.
“Pakistan is one of Australia’s top markets for canola, and expansion to GM canola unlocks new opportunities to export our world-class products.”
The government said the development reflects its broader work to expand export opportunities for Australian producers. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports were valued at more than $80 billion in 2024–25, with the gross value of production rising by 30 per cent in real terms over the past 20 years.
The Australian government has reported 231 market access outcomes, including 29 new markets opened, 81 markets protected in response to trade risks, 17 markets restored, and 104 improvements to existing access.
“Pakistan and Australia already share a robust trading partnership, and through this new market access, we’re strengthening the relationship between our two nations,” she said.