Pakistan rice exports have witnessed a massive recovery in December 2025, showing a 14% increase compared to the previous month. This growth has been driven by a 50% surge in Basmati shipments, making Pakistan a major seller in the international food market.

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Historic Growth in Pakistan Rice Exports

The nation achieved its best-ever monthly performance in the global rice trade.

According to the latest trade data, Pakistan exported 489,000 tonnes of rice in December alone. This impressive figure allowed the country to improve its global rank, overtaking Vietnam to become the world’s third-largest rice exporter. The surge in Pakistan rice exports signals a strong return for the sector, which had faced challenges in previous years.

Industry experts noted that the high quality of Pakistani Basmati rice is the main reason for this success. By offering premium grains at competitive prices, Pakistan has managed to attract buyers from across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, boosting its overall trade data performance.

The Dominance of the UAE Market

Dubai and the Northern Emirates remain the most vital destinations for premium Pakistani rice.

The UAE market remains the top destination for Pakistani shipments, importing nearly 75,000 tonnes in a single month. This includes over 16,000 tonnes of high-quality Basmati rice, which is a staple in many households across the Emirates. The strong demand in the UAE market has provided much-needed stability to Pakistani exporters.

The strategic location of the UAE as a logistics hub also helps Pakistan distribute its products to other regions. Key highlights of the export performance include:

• UAE imported 74,897 tonnes, solidifying its spot as the primary UAE market.
• China followed closely as the second-largest buyer with 74,685 tonnes.
• Pakistan’s global rank rose due to increased direct shipments to Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan.
• Basmati rice shipments to the EU and UK combined reached 21,100 tonnes.

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New Opportunities and Global Rank

Expanding footprints in Central Asia and the US are helping Pakistan secure its position.

Pakistan is no longer just relying on traditional buyers, it is now expanding its global rank by entering new territories. For the first time, large volumes of Basmati rice are being shipped directly to Central Asian states like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This structural shift in trade data shows that Pakistan is bypassing old transit routes to maximize profits.

Furthermore, a 50% US tariff on Indian rice has created a massive opportunity for Pakistan rice exports in the American market. As demand grows in the West, Pakistani exporters are working hard to meet international phytosanitary standards to ensure long-term growth and maintain their high global rank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How did Pakistan rice exports perform in December 2025? Exports rose by 14% month-on-month, reaching a total of 489,000 tonnes.
• Which country is the top importer of Pakistani rice? The UAE market is the largest importer, taking in nearly 75,000 tonnes of rice.
• What is Pakistan’s current global rank in rice exports? Pakistan is currently the world’s third-largest rice exporter, trailing only India and Thailand.
• Why is Basmati rice so important for Pakistan? Basmati rice has a much higher export value than non-basmati varieties and is in high demand in the Middle East and Europe.
• What new markets is Pakistan exploring? Pakistan is now exporting directly to Central Asian nations and seeing growth in the United States and Iran.

Summary of the Rice Export Boom

The recent surge in Pakistan rice exports proves that the sector is resilient and capable of competing at the highest level. With continued support from the government and high demand from the UAE, Pakistan’s position in the global market looks brighter than ever.

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