Islamabad, April 18, 2025 – Pakistan has exported sugar worth $407 million during the first nine months (July to March) of the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a massive increase driven by rising international demand and favorable pricing.
The surge in exports has come despite mounting concerns over escalating domestic sugar prices, which continue to burden local consumers.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), sugar exports recorded an astonishing 1,832% growth compared to the same period last year, when exports were just $21 million. This exceptional rise reflects the government’s decision to allow exports based on assessments of sufficient domestic stock and assurances of price stability within local markets.
However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. PBS data reveals that the average retail price of sugar in March 2025 rose by 17% year-on-year. The average price hit Rs168.40 per kilogram, significantly higher than Rs144.36 recorded in March 2024. The spike in prices came at a time when Pakistan was observing the holy month of Ramadan, exacerbating the financial strain on consumers.
Despite government claims of market control and the provision of subsidies, the situation failed to stabilize. The authorities had announced a Ramadan relief initiative, aiming to make sugar available at Rs130 per kilogram. However, limited enforcement and coordination issues with sugar mills and retailers resulted in minimal impact on actual prices.
Pakistan, being an agrarian economy, must now address the underlying supply issues. Experts emphasize the urgent need for investment in modernizing the sugarcane farming sector to boost crop yields and meet both domestic consumption and export targets. Enhancing production will not only stabilize prices at home but also strengthen Pakistan’s position in international sugar markets.
Going forward, policymakers must strike a balance between earning valuable foreign exchange through sugar exports and ensuring affordability for local consumers. The current situation underscores the importance of comprehensive planning, improved supply chain governance, and proactive monitoring to safeguard public interest.