August volumes rise 22% YoY to 308,000 tonnes as export proceeds jump 31% to $192 million; Basmati earnings surge 70%.

News Desk

Pakistan’s rice export volumes rose 20% year-on-year (YoY) to a record 655,000 tonnes during the first two months of FY2027, while export earnings increased 25% to $392 million, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited (AHL).

Basmati shipments increased 43% to 146,000 tonnes during July-August from 102,000 tonnes in the same period last year. Other rice exports rose 15% to 509,000 tonnes from 443,000 tonnes.

In value terms, Basmati exports climbed 53% YoY to $164 million during 2MFY27 from $107 million, while proceeds from other rice increased 10% to $228 million from $207 million.

Rice accounted for 7.1% of Pakistan’s total exports during the two-month period, up from 6.2% a year earlier. Basmati’s share increased to 3% from 2.1%, while the share of other rice remained unchanged at 4.1%.

Pakistan’s overall exports stood at $5.504 billion during 2MFY27, up 8% from $5.102 billion in the corresponding period of FY2026.

The rebound was also visible in August, when rice export volumes increased 22% YoY to 308,000 tonnes from 252,000 tonnes. On a month-on-month basis, however, shipments fell 27% from 346,000 tonnes in July.

Basmati volumes jumped 58% YoY to 78,000 tonnes in August from 49,000 tonnes, while other rice shipments increased 14% to 231,000 tonnes from 203,000 tonnes.

Rice export earnings rose faster than volumes, increasing 31% YoY to $192 million from $146 million.

Basmati proceeds surged 70% to $88 million from $52 million, while earnings from other rice increased 10% to $104 million from $95 million.

Rice’s share of Pakistan’s total exports consequently increased to 7.5% in August from 6.1% a year earlier. Basmati accounted for 3.4% of total exports, compared with 2.1% in August 2025, while other rice represented 4.1%, up from 3.9%.

Pakistan’s overall exports reached $2.542 billion in August, increasing 5% YoY from $2.417 billion but falling 18% from $2.962 billion in July.

According to AHL’s analysis, rice exports have rebounded following the post-FY2025 normalisation after India lifted its non-Basmati export ban. The brokerage said the recovery was likely supported by higher acreage amid weaker cotton economics, greater water availability associated with increased solarisation and improved farm economics.

Published Date: September 22, 2026