Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s food group exports plunged by 31.4 percent during the first quarter (July–September) of fiscal year 2025-26, falling to $1.11 billion from $1.62 billion a year earlier, primarily due to a sharp drop in rice and sugar exports, according to official trade data obtained by Wealth Pakistan.

The food group’s share in the country’s total exports contracted to 14.59 percent from 20.45 percent during the same period last year, reflecting a broad-based decline across multiple product categories, the provisional data showed.

Rice — Pakistan’s leading food export — posted the most pronounced fall. Total rice exports declined 42.02 percent in value to $418.51 million, compared with $721.86 million in the corresponding quarter of last year. Within this category, Basmati rice exports dropped 45.56 percent to $148.32 million, while exports of other rice varieties fell 41.10 percent to $270.19 million.

Sugar exports, another key contributor to the food group, fell to zero from $80.74 million last year, as the government maintained restrictions to protect domestic supplies and control prices. Exports of oilseeds, nuts and kernels were also down 68.14 percent to $36.56 million, while tobacco exports dropped 48.21 percent to $19.27 million.

Despite the overall contraction, a few categories posted positive growth. Exports of fish and fish preparations increased 27.81 percent to $89.60 million, supported by a 22.30 percent rise in export volumes. Fruit exports rose 17.04 percent to $107.91 million, and meat and meat preparations grew 5.59 percent to $122.20 million.

In contrast, vegetable exports slumped 41.14 percent to $42.25 million, affected by both reduced volumes and weaker prices, while spice exports slipped 8.70 percent to $20.01 million. Overall, the total quantity of food group exports stood at 1.11 million tonnes, down from 1.62 million tonnes a year earlier. Lower unit prices for major items such as rice and vegetables further dragged down overall earnings.

The continued downturn in food exports has become a key concern for economic managers seeking to narrow Pakistan’s trade deficit. With the Rabi (winter) crop season under way, exporters remain hopeful that improved production and stable commodity prices could help revive export performance in the remaining quarters of FY26.

Credit: INP-WealthPk