ISLAMABAD, May 19 (ABC):Pakistan is expanding efforts to diversify rice exports toward Africa, Central Asia, and Far East markets as part of a broader strategy to ensure uninterrupted trade flows and reduce dependence on traditional export destinations amid regional trade disruptions.
According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the strategy comes as disruptions in key shipping routes have triggered delays, vessel rerouting, and higher freight and insurance costs, affecting trade efficiency and export competitiveness. Rising fuel and logistics expenses have also increased export costs and affected timely deliveries.
The document noted that these disruptions could lead to short-term declines in exports to some Middle Eastern markets while creating volatility in global rice prices and trade flows.
To address these challenges, authorities are strengthening alternative land and maritime routes, improving traceability systems, expanding exporter capacity, and deploying digital platforms such as Phyto to streamline export procedures.
The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) is also working to ensure uninterrupted exports through efficient phytosanitary certification and strict compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements to prevent delays in shipments reaching destination markets.
According to the document, DPP has strengthened export facilitation by integrating certification procedures with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), enabling online submission and issuance of certificates. More than 85 percent of certificates are now being issued within 24 hours, helping improve export efficiency and reduce delays.
To facilitate regional trade, the Ministry of Commerce has granted a temporary exemption from the Financial Instrument requirement for exports to Iran and Central Asian Republics through the Iran land route, including key commodities such as rice. The measure is intended to ease procedural requirements and promote the use of alternative trade corridors.
Pakistan exports rice to more than 150 countries and remains among the world’s leading rice producers and exporters. The country produces approximately 9–10 million metric tons (MMT) of rice annually, with an exportable surplus ranging between 4.5 and 5.5 MMT.
Pakistan’s rice exports remained relatively stable, declining marginally from 4.38 MMT in 2024 to 4.32 MMT in 2025.
While exports to traditional markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Belgium, and Benin showed declines, shipments to the UAE increased, reflecting changing market trends and diversification efforts.
During January-April 2026, rice exports stood at around 1.49 MMT. Exports to Afghanistan dropped to zero because of border closures, while the UAE and China remained among the stronger markets. At the same time, African destinations such as Ivory Coast recorded growth, highlighting gradual diversification in export destinations.
The document noted that while traditional Middle Eastern markets have largely remained stable, exports to African and other non-traditional destinations have increased, reflecting broader efforts to diversify market exposure.
In the European Union, stricter SPS requirements have resulted in stronger quality compliance while keeping export volumes relatively controlled, indicating a gradual shift toward quality-focused exports in premium markets.
To address food safety concerns, particularly maximum residue limits (MRLs) and aflatoxin contamination, DPP, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and provincial governments, has implemented several corrective measures.
These include a ban on 14 hazardous pesticides for rice crops, stricter inspections, mandatory laboratory testing, and blacklisting exporters found involved in fraudulent reporting practices.
The document noted that authorities have also promoted Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), moisture-control measures, and coordination with internationally recognized inspection agencies such as SGS and Eurofins.
As a result, compliance levels have improved significantly, with EU interceptions declining from 77 cases in 2024 to 38 in 2025 and further falling to just five cases up to April 2026.
