ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's rice exports witnessed a significant decline of 38.55% during the first nine months of the current financial year (July-March 2025-26), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The country exported over 3.235 million metric tons of rice worth $1.894 million, compared to 4.678 million tons valued at $2.757 million during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice Exports
Basmati rice exports amounted to 558,296 metric tons, earning $598.968 million, down from 658,703 metric tons worth $676.967 million in the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, exports of non-Basmati rice stood at 2.677 million metric tons valued at $1.097 million, compared to 4.019 million metric tons worth $2.080 million in the same period last year.
Overall Food Group Exports
The overall food group exports from Pakistan during July-March 2025-26 were recorded at $3.800 billion, a decrease from $5.754 billion in the same period of the previous year. On a year-on-year basis, food exports in March 2026 alone were $406.005 million, down from $576.177 million in March 2025.
Food group imports, however, rose to $7.090 billion during the nine-month period, compared to $6.158 billion in the same period last year.
Meat and Fish Exports Show Growth
In contrast to rice, meat and meat preparations exports grew by 3.08% during July-March 2025-26. The country exported 92,080 metric tons of meat and meat products valued at $405.988 million, up from 90,464 metric tons worth $391.118 million in the same period last year.
Fish and fish preparations exports also increased by 5.93%, with 151,855 metric tons worth $342.238 million exported, compared to 151,528 metric tons valued at $322.906 million in the corresponding period last year.
The PBS data highlights a challenging period for Pakistan's rice exports, while meat and fish sectors demonstrated resilience and growth.
