Pakistan’s rice exports dropped by 68.52% during the July–December period last year, according to the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.
The association said Basmati rice exports fell by 93.21%, reflecting severe pressure on the country’s premium rice segment.
The exporters’ body welcomed recent steps taken by the Ministry of Commerce to support the sector. The ministry reduced the export duty on Basmati rice by nine percent. Exporters of other rice varieties will receive a three percent duty deduction, the association said.
Exporters said the duty reductions will bring Pakistani rice prices closer to Indian rice in international markets.
Several industry players, however, argue that the move fails to address the structural problems confronting rice exports and instead risks shifting the burden onto domestic consumers. https://t.co/JlYzUaVXQI
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) January 27, 2026The association said the new concessions will take effect from January 23, 2026, and will remain in force until June 30, 2026. The Ministry of Commerce has also issued a formal notification covering duty drawbacks and related levies.
Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association, Malik Faisal, described the move as historic.
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He said this marked the first time a government had offered direct concessions to rice exporters at this scale. He expressed confidence that exports would recover and reach $1.5 billion by June 2026.
Exporters believe the incentives will help stabilise shipments and restore competitiveness in global markets. They said sustained policy support remains essential to revive demand and protect Pakistan’s position as a leading rice exporter.
