Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Pakistan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Pakistan's semi-milled or wholly milled rice market volume grew from 3 586 thousand tons to 5 317 thousand tons. This expansion was initially supported by increased subsidies for farmers and the launch of new large-scale milling facilities, which bolstered production capacity. The significant surge in 2020, where the market grew by over 46%, was primarily driven by government export restrictions implemented early in the year to ensure domestic supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a shift in consumer behavior towards bulk buying and packaged rice for safety.

The market continued to grow to 6 028 thousand tons in 2021 as pandemic-related export controls were relaxed and new milling and packaging facilities came online to meet recovering international demand. However, in 2022, the market volume contracted sharply to 3 857 thousand tons. This decline coincided with regional conflicts and global supply chain disruptions that affected export logistics and pricing, alongside the implementation of stricter domestic food safety and pesticide regulations.

In 2023, the market rebounded strongly, reaching 6 208 thousand tons. This recovery was marked by a substantial increase in production volumes, reflecting the industry's adaptation to previous challenges and the ongoing capacity investments made in prior years.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Pakistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan ranked as the world's 9th largest producer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Pakistan's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 138 thousand tonnes, marking a 13.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 12%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 7 002 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Pakistan's production value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 423 million US dollars, up by 22.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 26.3%, translating to an average annual rate of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Pakistan in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Pakistan

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Pakistan's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice fell in volume. In 2020, the country exported 2 820 thousand tonnes, a 20.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 10.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The peak was in 2019 at 3 523 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan's export structure in volume terms was highly fragmented. Kenya accounted for 14.0% of exports, China for 11.9%, and the United Arab Emirates for 6.7%, with these three countries together making up only 32.6% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, Pakistan's export value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 533 million US dollars, down 13.9% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 781 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 15.4%.

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

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Kenya represented 11.2% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 10.1%, and China 9.6%, together accounting for just 30.9% of total flows. The remaining 69.1% was spread among other partners.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Pakistan

Imports in kind, K t

Pakistan's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 0.0 thousand tonnes, an 81.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 99.5%, with an average annual decline of 82.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the top supplier of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Pakistan, accounting for 29.2% of imports in volume. China followed with 25.4%, and the United States with 16.5%. Together, these three countries represented 71.1% of total imports.

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, M $ US

Pakistan's import value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 0.0 million US dollars, a sharp 79.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value declined by 97.9%, with an average annual rate of 72.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, China led Pakistan's import structure in value terms with a 34.3% share. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 19.8%, and Thailand for 10.8%. Combined, these three countries made up 64.8% of total import flows.

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

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