Amjad Mahmood

LAHORE: Pakistan’s basmati rice exports have largely withstood the shockwaves of the US-Iran conflict, showing a notable recovery despite earlier setbacks and ongoing trade challenges.

According to data available on the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) website, Pakistan exported a total of 434,165 tonnes of rice in March. This included 49,149 tonnes of basmati rice, excluding shipments to Iran under barter trade, and 385,016 tonnes of non-basmati varieties.

Basmati exports in March remained largely insulated from the war’s impact, reaching 49,149 tonnes — only an 11pc decline compared to March 2025. This reflects a significant recovery trend, as the export deficit for basmati, which stood at 49pc during July-December 2025-26, narrowed to just 14pc over the nine-month period ending March.

Pakistan exported 558,200 tonnes of basmati rice in 9MFY26 compared with 658,700 tonnes, a 14pc decrease.

Despite this recovery, exporters incurred substantial financial losses from demurrage charges, shipment delays, rising ocean and inland freight costs, war-related surcharges, higher insurance premiums, and even the return of some containers.

Rice sector expert Hamid Malik hopes that, with steady demand from Gulf countries, Iran, and the European Union, basmati exports are now well placed to surpass last year’s total of 808,000 tonnes. According to 2026 data from Iran Customs, Pakistan’s rice exports to Iran surged to 523,000 tonnes during the Iranian financial year from March 21, 2025, to March 20, 2026.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026

Published Date: April 19, 2026