Pakistan food exports of raw products rose 25.31 per cent in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27, reaching $1.388 billion in July–September, up from $1.108 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data. Higher rice shipments accounted for most of the gain.
Food imports grew far more slowly over the same three months, up 3.44 per cent to $2.330 billion from $2.252 billion. That contrast matters for the trade balance in food: export earnings rose by about $280 million year-on-year in the quarter, while the import bill rose by roughly $78 million.
Rice and other products behind the rise
Product-wise figures show rice export value up 55.89 per cent in 1QFY27. Basmati rose 86.28 per cent in value and 80.21 per cent in quantity; non-basmati rose 39.20 per cent in value and 43.55 per cent in quantity. Meat exports grew 21.09 per cent, fish products 14.61 per cent, tobacco 44.21 per cent and spices 18.94 per cent. Oilseeds also contributed to the broader increase in Pakistan food exports.
Not every category improved. Vegetables fell 20.48 per cent and fruits 30.62 per cent, and PBS data indicate most other food products recorded negative growth. Separately, the government has allowed the export of 200,000 tonnes of sugar in the current fiscal year.
Policy support for rice exporters
The Ministry of Commerce extended the rice export subsidy scheme by three months, until 30 September, and raised the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL)—a rebate that returns certain local taxes to exporters—for non-basmati rice. Officials framed the step as help for exporters facing weaker international demand.
Imports: palm oil still dominates, wheat plan approved
On the import side, palm oil remained the largest food item, followed by pulses, tea and soyabean oil. Palm oil imports edged down 2.30 per cent in value and 13.75 per cent in quantity. Pulse imports shrank 12.07 per cent; soyabean oil stayed negligible. The bill for other food items rose 24.19 per cent, tea 25.54 per cent and milk products 2.80 per cent.
The government has already approved a plan to import wheat to cover shortfalls in local production. In the previous fiscal year (FY26), the food import bill rose 11.66 per cent to $9.150 billion from $8.195 billion, while raw food product exports fell 29.49 per cent to $5.017 billion from $7.116 billion—context for why the first-quarter rebound in Pakistan food exports is being watched closely.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- FY26: Raw food product exports fell 29.49 per cent to $5.017 billion from $7.116 billion the year before.
- FY26: The food import bill rose 11.66 per cent to $9.150 billion from $8.195 billion.
- Current fiscal year: The government allowed export of 200,000 tonnes of sugar and approved wheat imports to plug production shortfalls.
- Through 30 September: The Commerce Ministry extended the rice export subsidy and raised DLTL support for non-basmati rice.
- July–September 1QFY27: Raw food exports rose 25.31 per cent to $1.388 billion; food imports rose 3.44 per cent to $2.330 billion.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ki khurak ki baramdat pehli tibayi mein lagbhag 25 fi sad barh kar $1.39 billion ho gayi hain. Zyada faida chawal ki bhejawat se hua, khas tor par basmati se. Khurak ki daraamad kam rate se barhi, lekin gandum import ka plan pehle se maujood hai. Is se mulk ko dollar kamane mein madad milti hai, magar gharilu qeematain alag factors se bhi badal sakti hain.
