Islamabad pushes new markets in Africa, Central Asia and Far East to sustain trade flows
Pakistan is accelerating efforts to diversify rice exports toward Africa, Central Asia and Far East markets as regional trade disruptions linked to the Iran–US conflict impact shipping routes, logistics costs and export timelines.
According to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan, the strategy aims to ensure uninterrupted trade flows while reducing reliance on traditional export destinations in the Middle East.
Shipping disruptions raise costs
The report said disruptions in key maritime routes have led to vessel rerouting, shipment delays and higher freight and insurance costs, reducing export efficiency and increasing overall trade expenses.
Rising fuel prices and logistics charges have further added pressure on exporters, creating short-term volatility in rice shipments to some markets.
Government pushes alternative trade routes
To address these challenges, authorities are strengthening alternative land and sea corridors, expanding exporter capacity and improving digital systems for trade facilitation.
The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) is enhancing phytosanitary certification processes and ensuring compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards to prevent shipment delays.
Officials said more than 85% of export certificates are now being issued within 24 hours through integration with the Pakistan Single Window system.
The Ministry of Commerce has also introduced a temporary exemption from financial instrument requirements for exports to Iran and Central Asian countries via land routes, covering key commodities such as rice.
Export performance and shifting markets
Pakistan exports rice to more than 150 countries and remains among the world’s leading rice exporters, producing around 9–10 million metric tons annually with an exportable surplus of 4.5–5.5 million tons.
Rice exports remained broadly stable, slipping slightly from 4.38 million metric tons in 2024 to 4.32 million metric tons in 2025.
While shipments to traditional markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Belgium and Benin declined, exports to the United Arab Emirates increased, reflecting evolving demand patterns.
During January–April 2026, rice exports stood at around 1.49 million metric tons. Exports to Afghanistan dropped to zero due to border closures, while the UAE and China remained key markets. African destinations such as Ivory Coast recorded growth, highlighting gradual diversification.
Compliance improvements in EU market
In the European Union, stricter SPS requirements have improved quality compliance, though export volumes remain controlled, indicating a shift toward higher-quality, premium rice segments.
To address food safety concerns, authorities have banned 14 hazardous pesticides, strengthened inspections, mandated laboratory testing and black-listed non-compliant exporters.
As a result, EU interceptions fell sharply from 77 cases in 2024 to 38 in 2025, and further to just five cases by April 2026, reflecting improved compliance standards.