Total rice exports reach 434,165 tonnes in March; 9MFY26 deficit narrows to 14%.

By Monitoring Desk

Pakistan’s basmati rice exports showed signs of recovery in March despite disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict, with shipment volumes stabilising after earlier declines.

According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, total rice exports stood at 434,165 tonnes in March, including 49,149 tonnes of basmati and 385,016 tonnes of non-basmati varieties.

Basmati exports recorded an 11% year-on-year decline in March, indicating a partial recovery compared to earlier months when exports had been significantly affected.

During July–March FY2025-26, basmati exports reached 558,200 tonnes, down 14% from 658,700 tonnes in the same period last year, reflecting an improvement from a 49% decline recorded in the first half of the fiscal year.

Despite the recovery in volumes, exporters reported financial losses due to higher logistics costs, including demurrage charges, shipment delays, increased freight rates, war-related surcharges, and rising insurance costs, along with instances of container returns.

Exports to Iran showed an increase, with Pakistan shipping 523,000 tonnes of rice during the Iranian financial year from March 21, 2025, to March 20, 2026.

Industry participants said demand from Gulf countries, Iran, and the European Union remains stable, supporting expectations that total basmati exports could exceed last year’s volume of 808,000 tonnes.

Published Date: April 19, 2026