Islamabad, July 21, 2025: Pakistan’s rice exports took a significant hit in FY25, falling by 14.7% to $3.36 billion, largely due to a global slump in rice prices, particularly for non-basmati varieties that dominate the country’s rice shipments.
According to a report by Optimus Capital Management, the country exported 5.8 million metric tons of rice during the year, registering a 3.7% decline in volume. The average export price saw a sharp drop of 9.1%, slipping to Rs. 291.6 per kilogram from Rs. 320.8 per kilogram in FY24. This pricing pressure significantly dented earnings despite steady overseas demand.
Non-basmati rice, which accounts for over 85% of Pakistan’s total rice exports, was the hardest hit. Shipments of non-basmati rice dipped by 4.7% in quantity and a staggering 17.4% in value, sliding from $3.05 billion last year to $2.52 billion in FY25.
Meanwhile, basmati rice exports edged up 3% in volume to 797,000 metric tons, but earnings dropped 5.2% year-on-year, bringing in $832 million compared to $877 million in FY24. Industry experts attribute this paradox to lower per-unit prices in international markets and stiff competition from regional exporters.
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The pressure intensified in June 2025, with monthly exports plunging 40.6% compared to May and 37.1% year-on-year. Revenue for the month dropped over 50% to just $150 million, ringing alarm bells for exporters and policymakers alike.
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As a result, rice’s contribution to Pakistan’s total export revenue fell to 10.5% in FY25, down from 12.8% in the previous fiscal year—a significant setback for one of the country’s most vital agricultural exports.
