By Ijaz Kakakhel

Pakistan’s rice exports got off to a strong start in FY2026-27, with export earnings rising 23% in July-August to $394 million, driven by higher shipments and improved average unit prices.

The country exported 657,663 metric tonnes of rice during the first two months of the fiscal year 2026-27 (July and August), up 18% from 557,355 metric tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025-26. Export proceeds increased from $321 million to $394 million.

The average unit price (AUP) of overall rice exports also improved, rising 4% to $598 per metric tonne from $576 per metric tonne a year earlier, indicating that both greater export volumes and better prices supported the increase in earnings.

Basmati rice emerged as the standout performer, recording substantially stronger growth than the non-Basmati segment. Basmati export earnings jumped 53% to $165 million during July-August 2026-27 from $108 million in the same period last year.

Shipments of the premium rice variety climbed 44% to 147,626 metric tonnes from 102,506 metric tonnes previously. Its average unit price advanced 6.46% to $1,120 per metric tonne from $1,052, giving the segment gains across value, volume and price.

Non-Basmati rice, which accounted for the larger share of total rice export volume, also registered higher earnings and shipments, although its average price declined.

Export proceeds from non-Basmati varieties increased 7% to $228 million from $213 million in July-August 2025-26. Export volume grew faster, up 12% to 510,037 metric tonnes from 454,849 metric tonnes in the comparable period.

However, the average unit price for non-Basmati rice slipped 5% to $447 per metric tonne from $469. The figures suggest that expansion in this category was driven mainly by greater shipment volumes rather than price improvement.

The contrasting price trends between the two categories also underline Basmati’s stronger contribution to the rise in overall export earnings. While both segments shipped larger quantities, Basmati benefited simultaneously from a sharp increase in volume and a higher per-tonne price.

Overall, the July-August figures show a broad-based improvement in rice exports, with total shipments expanding by more than 100,000 metric tonnes from the year-earlier period. The combination of an 18% rise in quantities and a 4% increase in average unit value translated into a 23% increase in total export receipts, providing a positive opening for the rice export sector in 2026-27.

Credit: INP-WealthPk