Pakistan’s rice exports fell by 68.52% during July to December 2025, the Rice Exporters Association announced on Tuesday. The decline was particularly steep for Basmati rice, which dropped by 93.21% during the same period.
The Rice Exporters Association welcomed the Ministry of Commerce’s recent measures to boost rice exports. Under the new plan, the government has cut the duty on Basmati rice by nine percent. Traders exporting other varieties of rice will receive a three percent reduction in duty.
“This move will bring Pakistani rice prices closer to India’s, helping exporters compete better in international markets,” the association said. The duty concessions will take effect from January 23, 2026, and remain in force until June 30, 2026.
The Ministry of Commerce has also issued notifications regarding duty drawbacks and levies, further supporting rice exporters. Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association, Malik Faisal, praised the government’s decision. “This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that the government has offered such concessions to rice exporters,” he said.
Faisal expressed optimism about the future, predicting that rice exports will reach $1.5 billion by June 2026. Exporters believe the incentives will revive Pakistan’s rice sector and boost overall shipments.
The decline in rice exports last year has been attributed to global competition, rising production costs, and higher prices compared to regional suppliers. Officials hope that the new concessions will restore competitiveness and encourage international buyers to source rice from Pakistan again.
Industry experts also expect that easing the duty burden will help small and medium-sized exporters participate more actively in overseas markets. With these measures, Pakistan aims to regain its position as a key rice exporter in Asia and globally.
The Rice Exporters Association urged all exporters to take advantage of the government’s incentives, noting that increased rice exports could strengthen the country’s economy and support farmers nationwide.
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