By Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s food trade balance showed contrasting trends during July-February FY2025-26, with agro and food exports declining by 28.88% while key food imports such as soya beans and palm oil recorded significant increases, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) Monthly Trade Report for February 2026.

The report shows that agro and food exports fell to $3.84 billion during July-February FY2025-26, compared to $5.39 billion in the same period last fiscal year. The decline reflects a reduction of nearly $1.55 billion in export earnings from the sector during the eight-month period.

Among major export commodities, rice recorded a notable decrease. Exports of rice declined by 37% to $1.53 billion during July-February FY2025-26, compared to $2.41 billion in the corresponding period last year. The fall in rice shipments contributed significantly to the overall contraction in agro and food exports.

On a monthly basis, agro and food exports also showed a decline. In February FY2025-26, exports in this category were $467 million, down 19% from $575 million in February FY2024-25.

In contrast, imports of key food items increased during the same period. Soya bean imports rose sharply by 170% to $880 million during July-February FY2025-26, compared to $326 million in the corresponding period last year. Palm oil imports also increased by 22% to $2.74 billion from $2.25 billion.

Other food-related imports showed upward movement as well. Tea imports increased by 7% to $437 million, while rape or colza seed imports rose by 30% during the period under review.

On a monthly basis, imports of these commodities also recorded increases. Soya bean imports reached $147 million in February FY2025-26, compared to $35 million in the same month last year, reflecting a rise of 326%. Palm oil imports during the month stood at $386 million, up from $366 million in February FY2024-25.

The sector-wise import data further shows that overall imports of agro and food products increased by 18% to $6.59 billion during July-February FY2025-26, compared to $5.60 billion in the same period last year.

The report indicates that while export earnings from agro and food products declined during the period, import expenditure on key food items continued to rise, reflecting contrasting trends within the food trade segment.

The commodity-wise breakdown shows that while agricultural exports, particularly rice, registered declines, imports of oilseeds and edible oils recorded strong growth during the period under review.

Credit: INP-WealthPk