Annual rice export earnings decline sharply amid lower shipment volumes, while June 2026 records robust growth in quantity and value.
Pakistan’s rice exports stood at Rs642.34 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, registering a significant decline compared to the previous fiscal year due to lower export volumes and reduced earnings in international markets.
According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country exported 4.29 million metric tonnes of rice during FY2025-26, generating Rs642.34 billion ($2.29 billion) in export proceeds.
The latest figures indicate a notable slowdown in one of Pakistan’s key agricultural export sectors, which has traditionally been a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
Export Earnings and Volumes Register Sharp Decline
During FY2025-26, rice export volumes dropped by 26.21 percent to 4,292,746 metric tonnes, compared with 5,817,909 metric tonnes exported in FY2024-25.
In value terms, export receipts declined by 11.35 percent from Rs935.6 billion in the previous fiscal year to Rs642.34 billion. Meanwhile, export earnings in dollar terms fell by 31.65 percent, decreasing from $3.35 billion to $2.29 billion.
The decline reflects weaker international demand, lower exportable surplus, and price adjustments in global rice markets that affected Pakistan’s overall export performance during the fiscal year.
June 2026 Shows Strong Export Rebound
Despite the annual decline, rice exports recorded a strong recovery during June 2026.
According to PBS data, Pakistan exported 362,650 metric tonnes of rice in June 2026, compared with 273,001 metric tonnes in June 2025, reflecting an increase of 32.84 percent.
Export earnings rose to Rs59.5 billion during the month, up from Rs42.39 billion a year earlier, showing growth of 40.35 percent.
Similarly, rice export proceeds in dollar terms climbed to $213.7 million, compared with $149.8 million in June 2025, marking an increase of 42.62 percent.
Rice Remains a Key Agricultural Export
Rice continues to be among Pakistan’s leading agricultural export commodities, with major markets including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The sector supports millions of farmers and contributes significantly to rural incomes and foreign exchange reserves.
Can June Momentum Support FY2026-27 Growth?
The sharp decline in Pakistan rice exports during FY2025-26 highlights the challenges posed by reduced shipment volumes and softer global market conditions.
However, the strong performance recorded in June 2026 suggests improving demand in international markets and renewed export activity.
If exporters can capitalize on favorable market opportunities, maintain quality standards, and expand access to high-value destinations, Pakistan may witness a recovery in rice exports during FY2026-27.
The sustainability of this rebound will largely depend on crop availability, global rice prices, freight costs, and demand from key importing countries.