By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s food exports reached Rs121.545 billion, or $437.078 million, in July 2026, posting both month-on-month and year-on-year growth, with rice remaining the country’s leading food export. According to the latest export statement available with Wealth Pakistan, Food Group exports increased 4.18% in rupee terms and 4.28% in dollar terms over June 2026, when exports stood at Rs116.669 billion, or $419.155 million.

Compared with July 2025, food exports increased 0.26% in rupee terms and 2.47% in dollar terms from Rs121.232 billion, or $426.555 million. Rice maintained its position as the leading food export, bringing in Rs55.627 billion, or $199.950 million, in July 2026 and accounting for around 46% of total Food Group export earnings. Rice exports stood at 346,024 metric tons, up 18.03% from 293,166 metric tons in July 2025, while export value increased 16.63% in rupee terms and 19.15% in dollar terms.

On a monthly basis, however, rice exports declined 4.63% in quantity, 6.51% in rupee value and 6.45% in dollar value compared with June 2026. Within the category, basmati exports stood at 67,857 metric tons worth Rs21.272 billion, or $76.479 million. Compared with July 2025, basmati exports increased 28.78% in quantity, 34.43% in rupee value and 37.37% in dollar value. Other rice exports reached 278,167 metric tons worth Rs34.355 billion, or $123.471 million, showing year-on-year growth of 15.68% in quantity, 7.79% in rupee value and 10.11% in dollar value.

Exports of meat and meat preparations reached 8,963 metric tons, valued at Rs13.064 billion, or $47.001 million. The category posted monthly growth of 19.38% in quantity, 15.28% in rupee value and 15.41% in dollar value. On a year-on-year basis, meat export earnings increased 13.64% in rupee terms and 16.20% in dollar terms, despite a 1.95% decline in quantity. Exports of oil seeds, nuts and kernels recorded one of the strongest increases during the month.

The exports rose to 20,788 metric tons worth Rs6.947 billion, or $24.989 million, showing monthly growth of 70.81% in quantity, 69.23% in rupee value and 69.46% in dollar value. Compared with July 2025, exports of oil seeds, nuts and kernels increased 511.23% in quantity, 480.85% in rupee value and 493.70% in dollar value. Vegetable exports rose to 52,190 metric tons worth Rs3.570 billion, or $12.841 million. Compared with June, the category increased 20.86% in quantity, 17.27% in rupee value and 17.40% in dollar value.

However, it remained below July 2025 levels, declining 15.18% in quantity and 19.13% in dollar earnings. Spices exports reached 2,905 metric tons worth Rs2.064 billion, or $7.426 million. The category increased 43.60% in quantity, 10.39% in rupee value and 10.51% in dollar value over June 2026. Compared with July 2025, spices exports rose 36.71% in quantity and 9.95% in dollar value. Tobacco exports stood at 2,334 metric tons worth Rs1.907 billion, or $6.861 million.

While quantity increased 13.17% over June, dollar earnings declined 1.91% month-on-month. Compared with July 2025, quantity increased 80.62%, while export earnings rose 68.79% in rupee terms and 72.55% in dollar terms. Fruit exports stood at 34,090 metric tons worth Rs10.680 billion, or $38.423 million. Dollar earnings increased 1.43% over June but remained 33.69% below July 2025. Exports of fish and fish preparations stood at 11,568 metric tons worth Rs6.266 billion, or $22.544 million. Compared with June, the category declined 27.58% in quantity and 38.69% in dollar value, while dollar earnings were 0.43% higher than in July 2025.

All other food items contributed Rs21.419 billion, or $77.045 million, rising 51.94% in rupee terms and 52.11% in dollar terms over June 2026. No exports were recorded under leguminous vegetables, wheat and sugar during July 2026. The figures show that Pakistan’s Food Group exports began FY2026-27 with month-on-month and year-on-year growth, with gains in categories including meat, oil seeds, vegetables, spices and other food items offsetting declines in some major categories, including rice, compared with June.

Credit: INP-WealthPk