Pakistan's exports of food commodities dropped by 31.86 percent during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, totaling $4.589 billion compared to $6.748 billion in the same period last year, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Rice Exports Decline Significantly
Rice exports, a key component of the food group, fell sharply. From July to May FY2025-26, Pakistan exported 3.929 million metric tons of rice worth $2.077 billion, compared to 5.544 million tons valued at $3.203 billion in the corresponding period last year. This represents a decrease of approximately 35 percent in quantity and 35.2 percent in value.
Basmati rice exports also saw a decline. Around 717,231 metric tons of Basmati rice worth $753.408 million were exported, compared to 761,127 metric tons valued at $781.934 million in the same period last year, reflecting a 5.8 percent drop in quantity and a 3.6 percent drop in value.
Non-Basmati rice exports amounted to 3.212 million metric tons valued at $1.324 billion, down from 4.383 million metric tons worth $2.421 billion last year, a decrease of 26.7 percent in quantity and 45.3 percent in value.
Fish and Fish Preparations Show Growth
In contrast, exports of fish and fish preparations increased by 4.18 percent. Pakistan exported 199,065 metric tons worth $445.247 million compared to 198,713 metric tons valued at $427.321 million in the same period last year.
Meat and Meat Preparations Also Rise
Exports of meat and meat preparations grew by 4.91 percent. During the 11-month period, 106,556 metric tons valued at $489.521 million were exported, compared to 107,899 metric tons worth $466.607 million last year. Although quantity slightly declined, the value increased due to higher prices.
The PBS data highlights a mixed performance in Pakistan's food exports, with significant losses in rice offset by modest gains in fish and meat sectors.
