Pakistan opens market for GM canola from Australia

Pakistan has approved the import of genetically modified (GM) canola from Australia. The market for GM products was initially opened in November 2023, and the final import authorization for canola was granted in 2024.

In 2024, Australia supplied Pakistan with non-GM canola worth USD 506 million. However, around 46% of Australian canola is GM, and the Australian government has now informed exporters that Pakistan will accept all GM varieties.

“Pakistan is one of the key markets for Australian canola, and opening access to GM canola creates new opportunities for exporting our high-quality products,” said Julie Collins, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Previously, in 2022, Pakistan tightened its existing ban on GM seeds, effectively closing the market—particularly for U.S. soy, which is widely used in animal feed production.

Tags: Australia, Pakistan, rapeseed, GM