Rice remained the top export commodity, while overall food exports recorded a significant year-on-year decline during FY2025-26.

Pakistan’s food exports witnessed a substantial decline during the fiscal year 2025-26, with total earnings from food commodities falling to $5.017 billion, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The export value of food products during the financial year ended June 30, 2026, was significantly lower than the $7.116 billion recorded in the corresponding period of FY2024-25.

The data showed that food group exports contracted by 29.49 percent on a year-on-year basis, highlighting challenges faced by the country’s agriculture and food export sectors.

Rice continued to be Pakistan’s leading food export commodity during the fiscal year. The country exported more than 4.282 million metric tons of rice, generating export earnings of $2.291 billion.

Despite remaining the largest contributor to food exports, rice shipments were unable to offset the overall decline in the food export basket.

The fisheries sector also made a notable contribution, with exports of 215,170 metric tons of fish and fish products valued at $482.017 million.

Similarly, fruit exports reached 533,382 metric tons, earning $308.130 million, while vegetable exports stood at 594,104 metric tons with a value of $162.770 million.

Pakistan also earned considerable foreign exchange through the export of other agricultural commodities.

Tobacco exports totaled 46,669 metric tons, generating $142.527 million, while oilseeds and nuts exports amounted to 243,019 metric tons worth $260.519 million during the fiscal year under review.

Meanwhile, meat and meat preparations remained a strong performer in the export sector. The country exported 114,046 metric tons of meat products valued at $530.245 million, compared to exports worth $495.109 million from 114,157 metric tons during FY2024-25. This reflects an increase in export earnings despite a marginal decline in export volume.

In contrast to declining exports, Pakistan’s food imports increased during FY2025-26. The country imported food commodities worth $9.150 billion, representing an 11.66 percent increase compared to imports of $8.195 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year.

The widening gap between food exports and imports underscores the need for enhanced agricultural productivity, value addition, and export diversification to strengthen Pakistan’s trade balance and boost foreign exchange earnings.