Pakistan rice exports jump nearly 150% by volume in September

Pakistan’s rice exports surged nearly 150% by volume in September from a year earlier, according to figures cited by Rafique Suleman, an executive committee member of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and former chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

Pakistan exported 420,277 metric tons of rice in September 2026, compared with 168,322 metric tons in the same month last year, an increase of about 149.7%.

Basmati rice exports rose to 101,271 metric tons from 35,109 metric tons a year earlier, while shipments of non-Basmati and other rice varieties reached about 319,000 metric tons, compared with 133,213 metric tons.

How much rice did Pakistan export in the first quarter?

Pakistan exported about 1.075 million metric tons of rice during July-September, according to the figures cited by Suleman, up from 713,794 metric tons in the corresponding period last year. That represents an increase of about 51%, while September alone recorded an almost 150% increase from a year earlier.

Suleman attributed the performance to exporters, farmers, millers and other industry stakeholders.

He said Pakistan was expected to produce a bumper crop of about 10 million metric tons, which could provide an opportunity to expand the country’s share of international rice markets.

Suleman called on the government to support exporters through business-friendly trade policies, competitive energy costs, improved logistics, efficient port operations and timely resolution of industry concerns.

He also called for efforts to enter new markets, strengthen relationships with existing buyers and promote Pakistani rice internationally, particularly premium Basmati varieties.

Rice remains an important source of export earnings for Pakistan. Suleman said cooperation among the government, industry associations, exporters, farmers and millers could help the country capitalize on increased supplies and and achieve record export performance during the current fiscal year.