Rice exports drop to $1.305 billion; fish shipments up 9%; January exports reach $624.4 million.

By News Desk

Pakistan’s food exports declined by 35.21% to $2.988 billion during the first seven months of FY2025-26, compared to $4.613 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Rice exports recorded a significant drop during July–January 2025-26. The country exported 2.439 million metric tons of rice worth $1.305 billion, compared to 3.637 million metric tons valued at $2.194 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

In contrast, fish and fish preparations posted growth. About 111,543 metric tons worth $253.812 million were exported during the seven-month period, compared to 110,050 metric tons valued at $232.272 million last year, reflecting a 9.27% increase in value.

On a month-on-month basis, food exports rose to $624.445 million in January 2026, compared to $405.983 million in December 2025.

Meanwhile, food imports increased by 19.26% during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. Imports reached $5.502 billion, up from $4.613 billion in the corresponding period last year.

In January 2026 alone, food imports were recorded at $871.468 million, compared to $783.438 million in December 2025.

Published Date: February 24, 2026