In November, Pakistan exported 406,843 metric tons of rice worth $171 million, showing a month-on-month increase compared to October, when exports stood at 360,474 metric tons. Despite this improvement, Pakistan’s overall rice exports remain significantly below last year’s levels. In comparison with its neighboring country India’s rice exports largely remained stable compared to the previous year. From April to November 2025, India earned approximately $7.3 billion from rice exports, almost unchanged from the same period last year. As the world’s largest rice exporter, India’s export performance has played a key role in shaping global rice stocks, alongside good harvests in other major producing countries that have kept global supply comfortable.
Last year, global uncertainties and geopolitical conflicts led many countries to aggressively stockpile rice. However, this year, fresh buying has slowed, resulting in a relatively steady export pace. Demand has also been affected by high tariffs imposed by the United States, particularly on Basmati rice. As a result, India’s rice exports declined by around 30 percent year-on-year in November 2025, indicating a softening international market.
According to market briefings, the current international price of Pakistani Basmati rice is around $1,200 per ton, while Indian Basmati is trading at approximately $900 per ton. Pakistani Basmati has once again strengthened its position in the global market due to its superior quality and distinctive aroma, which continues to attract premium buyers.
Although Pakistan’s rice exports increased on a month-on-month basis, they remain well below last year’s levels. One of the key reasons for the decline is geopolitical tension, particularly Iran’s ongoing economic crisis. The sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial has made payments and purchases difficult for importers, while delays in import approvals by the Iranian government have further disrupted trade. In addition, rising Israel-Iran tensions have increased risks related to shipments and payments.
Iran has historically been a major buyer of Basmati rice, and its weakened economy has directly impacted exports as well. Together, these factors, along with reduced demand from major importing countries like China and the Philippines, continue to impact regional rice trade and limit export growth for both Pakistan and India.
