Key Points
- Pakistan’s rice export volume rose 18 per cent in July-August 2026 from the same period a year earlier.
- Rice export earnings increased 23 per cent to $394 million during the two months.
- Malaysia will take an additional 70,000 metric tonnes of Pakistani rice from October to December.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured an additional 70,000 metric tonnes of rice exports to Malaysia for October-December 2026, as the country’s rice shipments recorded strong growth at the start of the new financial year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the additional exports resulted from sustained diplomatic and trade efforts by relevant ministries and government authorities.
In a statement, he praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the ministers for national food security and commerce, and the secretaries of the two ministries for their efforts to expand Pakistan’s rice exports to Malaysia.
The prime minister said the additional 70,000 tonnes would support farmers and contribute to the national economy.
He added that expanding access to international markets for Pakistani agricultural products remained a government priority.
Malaysian purchase reinforces export momentum
The Malaysian purchase reinforced the momentum of Pakistan’s overall rice exports. Pakistan exported 657,663 metric tonnes of rice in July-August 2026, up 18 per cent from 557,355 tonnes in the same period of the previous financial year. Export earnings rose 23 per cent to $394 million from $321 million.
Basmati rice, Pakistan’s premium aromatic variety, recorded particularly strong growth. Its export volume increased 44 per cent to 147,626 tonnes, while earnings rose 53 per cent to $165 million during the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27.
The additional Malaysian demand is significant because Pakistan’s rice exports had fallen during the previous financial year.
Rice exports declined to $2.291 billion in FY2025-26 from $3.353 billion a year earlier, a fall of about 32 per cent. Export volume dropped to 4.292 million tonnes from 5.817 million tonnes.
Malaysia is already an important market for Pakistani rice. In 2024, Malaysia imported 382,051 tonnes of rice from Pakistan worth $235.4 million, according to international trade data.
Pakistan is seeking to expand agricultural exports as part of its broader strategy to achieve export-led economic growth.
READ ALSO: Pakistan Plans Higher Farm Output, Stronger Agricultural Exports
The government has also been working with Malaysian authorities on market access, food security and halal certification for other Pakistani agricultural products.
The prime minister said Pakistan would continue efforts to increase its share of international agricultural markets through sustained diplomatic and commercial engagement.
Pakistan’s rice export overview
Pakistan is one of the world’s major rice exporters, shipping the grain to more than 150 countries. The country exported about 6.56 million tonnes of rice worth $4.19 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank trade data. Rice is a major agricultural export, with both Basmati and non-Basmati varieties serving markets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Indonesia was Pakistan’s largest rice market in 2024, importing about 715,000 tonnes worth $408 million.
Afghanistan was the second-largest destination, importing 611,000 tonnes valued at $390 million, followed by Kenya, with about 439,000 tonnes valued at $261 million.
Malaysia imported nearly 411,000 tonnes valued at $238 million, while Saudi Arabia purchased about 224,000 tonnes worth $198 million.
Other key markets include the Philippines, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the European Union countries and several African nations. The United Arab Emirates and China have also emerged as significant destinations, reflecting Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its rice export markets.
Pakistan’s rice export base is therefore geographically diverse, with Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa accounting for substantial demand.
Government trade agencies identify China, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Oman as key markets offering further potential for Pakistani rice.
