Karachi, December 25, 2025 — Pakistan’s rice exports have witnessed a sharp decline of 49% during the first five months (July–November) of the fiscal year 2025-26 compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Total rice exports amounted to $769 million in the current fiscal period, down from $1.52 billion in the corresponding months of FY25. Basmati rice exports fell by 37.6% to $241 million, while shipments of other rice varieties plunged 53% to $528.3 million, highlighting a significant downturn across all rice segments.
Industry experts attribute the decline to a combination of rising domestic costs, intense international competition, and policy changes. Muhammad Javed Jillani, Senior Vice President of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), noted that Pakistani rice is priced higher than Indian rice in the global market, resulting in reduced demand. Non-basmati rice, which previously exported around $550 per ton, was sold at roughly $350 per ton during the period.
Analysts said production losses caused by recent floods, coupled with falling global soft commodity prices, further contributed to reduced export volumes. He expressed optimism that exports would recover as flood effects diminish and protective measures, including higher tariffs on Indian rice and anti-dumping actions in the US, take effect.
The analysts also highlighted domestic policy changes as a key factor. The shift from the Final Tax Regime (FTR) to the Normal Tax Regime (NTR) increased corporate tax liabilities from a simplified 1% turnover tax to 29% plus up to 10% Super Tax, compressing profit margins for exporters. Higher borrowing costs, estimated at 600 basis points above Indian rates, have further weakened Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
PBS data confirmed that IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 rice exports fell by over 53% in dollar terms, emphasizing the urgent need for structural reforms to restore Pakistan’s position in the international rice trade.