Paddy rice market in Pakistan

Earlier Report Observations

Pakistan's paddy rice production and market volume grew consistently from 2018 to 2021, with output rising from 10 798 thousand tonnes to 13 984 thousand tonnes. This expansion was driven by favorable conditions and ongoing improvements in agricultural practices.

In 2022, severe summer floods damaged crops across key growing regions, cutting production to 10 983 thousand tonnes and reducing export capacity. The market rebounded strongly in 2023, reaching a new high of 14 789 thousand tonnes as farmers recovered from the weather disruption.

Throughout the period, the rice seeds segment remained highly concentrated, with Guard Agri occupying over 70% of the market, influencing planting choices and crop resilience.

Production paddy rice in Pakistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan consistently ranked 10th globally in paddy rice production volume.

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

Paddy rice production in Pakistan increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 12 630 K t, marking a strong year-over-year growth of 13.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 10 798 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Pakistan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports paddy rice from Pakistan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume occurred in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 7.6 times. In 2020, Pakistan exported 13 600 t of paddy rice, representing a 23.9% reduction compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 37 365 t. The largest decline of 52.2% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 664.6% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Pakistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (50.0% of exports in kind), China (27.5% of exports in kind), and Tanzania (4.4% of exports in kind) together accounted for 81.9% of total exports in kind, serving as the main destinations for paddy rice from Pakistan.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Pakistan in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2018, showing a 16-fold shift. In 2020, cross-border shipments of paddy rice from Pakistan amounted to 2 054 K $ US, down by 2.0% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 15 831 K $ US. The largest decline of 86.8% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 1 462.3% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Pakistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China (52.0% of exports in value terms), the United Arab Emirates (23.9% of exports in value terms), and Kenya (5.3% of exports in value terms) formed the core of exports in value terms, together accounting for 81.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Pakistan in value, 2017-2020

Imports paddy rice to Pakistan

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied by a factor of 2, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, paddy rice imports into Pakistan amounted to 9 390 t, equivalent to a substantial year-over-year decline of 10.4%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 11 765 t. The largest decline of 11.0% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 99.1% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Pakistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the almost exclusive supplier of paddy rice to Pakistan, accounting for 99.4% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Pakistan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year advance, foreign paddy rice supplies to Pakistan declined. In 2020, Pakistan imported 33 286 K $ US of paddy rice, down by 2.5% compared with 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 61.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 34 142 K $ US, while the largest increase of 45.4% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Pakistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China was the almost exclusive supplier of paddy rice to Pakistan, accounting for 99.5% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Pakistan in value, 2017-2020