Higher palm oil imports offset a sharp decline in soybean oil purchases, according to PBS data
Pakistan’s edible oil imports increased by 4.18% during the fiscal year 2025-26, as higher spending on palm oil more than compensated for a steep decline in soybean oil imports, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The latest PBS figures showed that edible oil imports remained elevated during FY2025-26, reflecting continued domestic demand from households and the food processing industry despite fluctuations in international commodity prices.
Palm oil imports climb over 11%
According to the PBS, Pakistan imported palm oil worth $3.78 billion during FY2025-26, compared with $3.39 billion in FY2024-25. This represents an 11.54% year-on-year increase.
The country imported 3,482,642 metric tonnes (MT) of palm oil during the fiscal year, underlining its position as Pakistan’s largest imported edible oil.
Palm oil is widely used for cooking as well as in the food manufacturing, bakery and hospitality sectors. The increase in imports reflects sustained domestic consumption and steady demand from industrial users.
Soybean oil imports fall sharply
In contrast, imports of soybean oil declined significantly during FY2025-26.
PBS data showed that Pakistan imported soybean oil worth $108 million, down from $344 million in the previous fiscal year. This marks a 68% year-on-year decrease.
The quantity of soybean oil imported during the fiscal year stood at 97,521 metric tonnes, substantially lower than previous import levels.
The decline may reflect changing import strategies, greater reliance on palm oil, price movements in international markets or shifts in demand within the edible oil industry.
Palm oil dominates edible oil imports
The latest PBS figures highlight palm oil’s dominant share in Pakistan’s edible oil imports. The strong growth in palm oil purchases was sufficient to offset the sharp contraction in soybean oil imports, resulting in an overall 4.18% increase in edible oil imports during FY2025-26.
Pakistan continues to rely heavily on imported edible oils as domestic production remains insufficient to meet national consumption requirements.
Outlook
The growth in Pakistan edible oil imports underscores the country’s continued dependence on international markets to meet food and industrial demand. Future import trends will be influenced by global edible oil prices, exchange rate movements, domestic consumption patterns and government trade policies aimed at ensuring food security and price stability.