Pakistani Rice Exports Plummet by 47% in First Half

05-Feb-2026 06:18 PM

Karachi. Data from Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) shows that revenue from rice exports fell by 47 percent, from $3.88 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2023-24 to below $1.80 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2025-26.

A sharp decline was also recorded in the volume of rice exports during the same period. Weak global demand and increased pressure in the domestic market led to the lackluster export performance. Challenges and competition in the international market also intensified.

According to the board, exports of both Basmati and non-Basmati rice from Pakistan decreased significantly in the first half of the current fiscal year, i.e., July-December 2025.  A decline of more than one-third was recorded.

This included a sharp drop in Pakistani rice exports to Africa, the European Union, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries, all of which are major markets. Exports also decreased significantly to major importing countries such as Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the USA, and the UK.

It is noteworthy that during 2023-24, when India imposed restrictions, duties, and controls on rice exports, not only did the global market price of this important food grain increase sharply, but it also provided an opportunity for Pakistan, along with Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, to rapidly increase their rice exports.

However, when India lifted the restrictions, the performance of other exporting countries began to weaken rapidly. Pakistan faces high production costs for rice and finds it difficult to compete with India.