ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a significant increase in rice exports in September 2026, overtaking Vietnam despite tensions in the Gulf region and disruptions to international shipping routes.
According to available data, Pakistan exported 420,000 tonnes of rice to global markets during September, compared with Vietnam’s exports of 337,000 tonnes. Vietnam is the world’s third-largest rice exporter.
The report stated that demand for Pakistani rice, particularly basmati, remained strong in international markets despite tensions between the United States and Iran and disruptions to maritime transportation in the Gulf region. This helped boost Pakistan’s rice exports.
Figures showed that Pakistan’s total rice export volume increased by 51 percent during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, covering July to September, compared with the corresponding period last year.
Foreign exchange earnings from rice exports also rose by 37 percent during the same period, reflecting growing international demand for Pakistani rice.
Experts said the increase in rice exports could become an important source of foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan. However, they stressed that improving product quality, reducing production costs and strengthening the export supply chain would be essential to maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
