Pakistan Rice Exports Fall 47% in First Half of FY2025-26
Pakistan’s rice export earnings fell 47% over two years, dropping from $3.88 billion in FY2023–24 to under $1.8 billion in H1 FY2025–26. Volumes declined sharply amid weak global demand, higher costs, a stronger rupee, and renewed competition from India.
Pakistan’s rice exports have dropped sharply, with export earnings falling by 47 percent over the past two years, according to official data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The data shows rice export earnings declined from $3.88 billion in FY2023-24 to less than $1.8 billion during the first half of FY2025-26. Export volumes also fell steeply during the same period, signaling weakening global demand and rising domestic pressures.
FBR data obtained from the Ministry of Industries confirms that both Basmati and non-Basmati rice exports recorded major declines. Non-Basmati rice suffered the biggest hit, as volumes dropped by more than one-third in the July–December period of FY2025-26 compared to last year.
Exports to key regions including Africa, the European Union, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries also declined. Shipments to traditional buyers such as Afghanistan, the UAE, the UK, and the US showed noticeable contraction.
Officials and exporters link the slowdown to higher local production costs, reduced price competitiveness, and India’s return to the global rice market, which has pushed international prices lower. A stronger rupee has also squeezed margins for Pakistani exporters.
The government has recently moved to reduce duties on rice exports in an effort to revive shipments and protect foreign exchange earnings. Exporters say further support will be needed if the downward trend continues.
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Source : Bloom Pakistan
