Pakistan rice exports hit record high in 2024

Pakistan's rice exports reached an all-time high of 6.4 million tons in 2024, driven by a surge in production and strong global demand.

According to official data, Pakistan's rice production stood at 9.8 million tons in 2024, resulting in an exportable surplus. The country has maintained its position as the fourth-largest rice exporter globally for the past four years, after India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

However, Pakistan's rice exports are expected to face challenges in 2025, with production forecast to decline to 9.4 million tons, resulting in a shortfall of around 400,000 tons. Additionally, global rice prices have dropped by $200 per ton, from $648 per ton in 2024 to $448 per ton currently.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan's rice exports are expected to remain competitive, thanks to the country's strong market share and growing demand from new markets such as Africa, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Bangladesh has also emerged as a new market for Pakistani rice.

The government's policy of not intervening in the rice market and not providing subsidies to farmers has made Pakistani rice exports more suitable for global demand, according to industry experts.

In contrast, the Indian government's policy of subsidizing farmers by up to 40% has made Indian rice exports less competitive globally, as the subsidies distort the market and make Indian rice less attractive to buyers.

Pakistan's rice exporters are also benefiting from improved logistics and transportation links, including a new shipping route to Bangladesh launched in partnership with DP World UAE. The new route has reduced transportation times from 27 days to just 11 days.