Pakistan Food Imports Rise 2.23pc in First Two Months of FY27

Pakistan’s food imports increased by 2.23 per cent during the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27. Higher purchases of powdered milk and tea drove much of the increase.

At the same time, exports of raw food products rose 7.68pc during July-August FY27. The increase reversed the decline recorded in the previous fiscal year. Higher rice exports mainly supported the recovery.

According to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), food imports reached $1.503 billion in July-August. The figure stood at $1.470bn during the same period last year.

Food Import Bill Remains Under Pressure

The government has already approved a wheat import plan to address shortages in domestic production.

Pakistan’s food import bill rose 11.66pc in FY26. It reached $9.150bn compared with $8.195bn in FY25.

Food exports, meanwhile, recorded a sharp decline last year. Raw food exports fell 29.49pc to $5.017bn in FY26. They stood at $7.116bn in FY25.

Rice Drives Export Growth

Rice exports emerged as the main driver of food export growth during the first two months of FY27.

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Rice exports increased 24.68pc year-on-year. Basmati rice exports rose 53.03pc in value. Non-basmati rice exports increased 9.99pc.

Export quantities also recorded strong growth. Basmati shipments increased 42.91pc. Non-basmati shipments rose 14.74pc.

The Ministry of Commerce has extended the rice export subsidy scheme until September 30. It also increased the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) rate for non-basmati rice.

The measures aim to support exporters facing weaker international demand.

Meat and Tobacco Exports Increase

Meat exports rose 22.53pc during July-August FY27. Fish product exports increased 3.23pc.

However, several other food categories recorded declines.

Vegetable exports fell 27.28pc. Fruit exports dropped 36.42pc during the period.

Tobacco exports posted a sharp 121pc increase. Spice exports also grew 8.29pc.

The government has also allowed the export of 200,000 metric tonnes of sugar during the current fiscal year.

Tea and Milk Imports Rise

Palm oil remained the largest imported food item during the period. Pulses, tea and soybean oil followed.

Palm oil import value declined 1.41pc. Import volumes also fell 13.40pc.

Pulses imports dropped 23.84pc during July-August FY27. Soybean oil imports recorded a 99pc decline in value compared with the same period last year.

Meanwhile, imports of all other food items increased 19.71pc.

Tea imports rose 28.74pc. Milk and milk product imports increased 20.41pc.

The latest figures show a mixed picture for Pakistan’s food trade. Rice and several export categories recorded growth, while imports of selected food products continued to rise.