Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s food import bill surged 19.26 percent to $5.50 billion in the first seven months of the financial year 2025-26 (7MFY26), up from $4.61 billion a year earlier, as the country stepped up purchases of essential commodities to maintain domestic supply stability.

Official data for July–January FY2025-26 shows that the food group accounted for 13.67 percent of Pakistan’s total imports, up from 12.55 percent a year earlier, reflecting a greater focus on ensuring adequate supplies of essential commodities, Wealth Pakistan reported.

Within the food basket, palm oil continued to dominate imports and recorded a notable expansion. The country imported 2.18 million tons of palm oil worth $2.35 billion, compared with 1.89 million tons valued at $1.89 billion a year earlier, registering a 24.69 percent rise in value.

Imports of milk cream and related milk food products for infants also moved upward, increasing from 22,066 tons worth $79.76 million to 25,852 tons valued at $83.90 million, showing a 5.19 percent increase.

Dry fruit imports rose as well, with the value reaching $111.04 million against $104.63 million last year, reflecting a 6.13 percent growth.

Tea imports remained stable with a slight upward trend, climbing from $372.36 million to $376.57 million, a 1.13 percent increase, while spice imports strengthened further to $146.30 million, up 12.16 percent compared to the previous year.

One of the most striking developments during the period was the sharp rise in sugar imports. The country imported 308,741 tons of sugar worth $174.61 million, a dramatic jump from just 2,271 tons valued at $2.18 million in the same months last year. This translated into an exceptional 7,906.14 percent surge in import value, reflecting efforts to bolster domestic supply.

At the same time, imports of soybean oil moderated, falling from $164.55 million to $94.99 million, a 42.27 percent decline in value, while pulse imports also eased to $492.10 million from $630.02 million, showing a 21.89 percent decrease.

Overall, the latest figures suggest a robust inflow of key food commodities, helping reinforce supply chains and supporting market availability across the country during the ongoing fiscal year.

Credit: INP-WealthPk