Pakistan Basmati Boom: Record Export Growth, Rising Global Competitiveness & New Market Expansion
January 18, 2026 — VNV News Desk
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!December surge in premium rice shipments strengthens Pakistan’s global position; UAE remains top buyer
Pakistan’s rice sector posted an exceptional performance in December 2025, recording its highest-ever monthly exports and overtaking Vietnam to rank as the third-largest rice exporter worldwide for the month — behind India and Thailand.
Fresh trade data shows that Pakistan shipped 489,000 tonnes of rice in December, a 14% increase compared to November. The standout factor was a powerful jump of over 50% in basmati exports, which significantly boosted the country’s global standing.
Top Global Destinations for Pakistani Rice
The United Arab Emirates remained Pakistan’s largest market, importing 74,897 tonnes, including 16,850 tonnes of basmati. Other major destinations
Top Global Destinations for Pakistani Rice
The United Arab Emirates remained Pakistan’s leading market, importing 74,897 tonnes, including 16,850 tonnes of basmati.
China followed closely with 74,685 tonnes.
Other major markets included:
- Tanzania — 62,900 tonnes
- Kenya — 60,300 tonnes
- Ivory Coast — 41,700 tonnes
- Guinea-Bissau — 31,850 tonnes
- Malaysia — 23,930 tonnes
- Madagascar — 17,800 tonnes
- Kazakhstan — 17,050 tonnes
- Saudi Arabia — 16,032 tonnes (including 5,350 tonnes basmati)
- EU & UK (combined) — 21,100 tonnes (15,600 tonnes basmati)
Smaller volumes were also shipped to Oman, the United States, and Canada, showing consistent growth across multiple regions.
Rapidly Rising Demand in Central Asia,
A major structural shift observed in December was the rapid expansion of direct exports to Central Asia.
Previously, most rice shipments to the region moved indirectly through Afghanistan. However, due to recent border closures and logistical changes, Pakistani exporters have established direct export channels,
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant ministries to prepare a comprehensive rice export enhancement strategy.