Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s food import bill jumped by almost 36.73% during the first two months of fiscal year 2025-26, reaching $1.47 billion compared to $1.07 billion in the same period last year, according to the latest data released by Ministry of Commerce.

The share of food in the country’s overall imports also rose noticeably, increasing from 11.05% to 13.19% during the July–August period.

The steepest rise was recorded in palm oil imports, which surged to $639.63 million — reflecting a 29.14% increase in value and a 15.17% increase in imported quantity. Soybean oil imports showed an even sharper trend, more than doubling in value with a rise of 92.43% to $42.74 million.

Imports of other key food items also registered significant increases. Milk cream and infant milk food climbed 24.41% to $24.51 million, while dry fruit imports rose 32.90% to $17.78 million. Pulses, which are a staple for domestic consumption, recorded an increase of 10.91% in value, reaching $147.32 million.

In contrast, a few essential commodities witnessed declines. Tea imports dropped 5.67% to $96.98 million, while sugar imports plunged by 19.46% to only $0.57 million. Imports of spices remained broadly stable, with a marginal increase of just 1.79% in value.

One of the most striking changes came in the category of “all other food items,” where imports almost doubled — rising from $248.60 million last year to $460.08 million this year — marking a sharp growth of 85.07%.

Economists note that the surge in food imports has been driven by multiple factors, including rising domestic demand, shortfalls in local agricultural production, and elevated global commodity prices. Analysts warn that the growing food import bill could further burden Pakistan’s already strained balance of payments, especially at a time when the government is focused on reducing the trade deficit and stabilizing external accounts.

Credit: INP-WealthPk