Pakistan has recorded a significant rise in food imports alongside a sharp decline in food exports. During the first five months of the current fiscal year (July–November 2025), food imports surged by 28.33% year-on-year, exceeding USD 3.84 billion compared to USD 2.998 billion in the same period last year. In contrast, food exports fell by 37.92%, totaling just over USD 1.95 billion during the same timeframe.
Data shows that Pakistan imported tea worth USD 261.5 million, palm oil valued at USD 1.676 billion, and spices exceeding USD 100 million. Other major imports included USD 76.4 million of dry fruits, USD 68.8 million of soybean oil, and pulses worth USD 322.8 million.
On the export side, key food products recorded notable declines. Basmati rice exports fell by 41.79%, while exports of non-basmati rice varieties dropped by 39.7%. Vegetable exports decreased by 39.74%, oilseeds and nuts by 64.80%, and tobacco by 12.31% year-on-year. In contrast, fruit exports grew by 13.08%, and fish and fish product exports rose by 7.03%, showing some resilience in select categories.
The United States, China, and the United Kingdom remained the top export destinations for Pakistan during this period. Exports to the United States reached USD 2.639 billion, up 4.97% compared to USD 2.514 billion in the same period last year. Exports to China totaled USD 982.98 million, reflecting a 6.84% decline from USD 1.055 billion, while exports to the United Kingdom generated USD 904.90 million in foreign exchange earnings.
