KARACHI: Pakistan is expanding efforts to diversify rice exports toward Africa, Central Asia, and Far East markets as part of a broader strategy to ensure uninterrupted trade flows and reduce dependence on traditional export destinations amid regional trade disruptions.
According to an official document, the strategy comes as disruptions in key shipping routes have triggered delays, vessel rerouting, and higher freight and insurance costs, affecting trade efficiency and export competitiveness. Rising fuel and logistics expenses have also increased export costs and affected timely deliveries.
The document noted that these disruptions could lead to short-term declines in exports to some Middle Eastern markets while creating volatility in global rice prices and trade flows.
To address these challenges, authorities are strengthening alternative land and maritime routes, improving traceability systems, expanding exporter capacity, and deploying digital platforms such as Phyto to streamline export procedures.
The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) is also working to ensure uninterrupted exports through efficient phytosanitary certification and strict compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements to prevent delays in shipments reaching destination markets.
According to the document, DPP has strengthened export facilitation by integrating certification procedures with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), enabling online submission and issuance of certificates. More than 85 percent of certificates are now being issued within 24 hours, helping improve export efficiency and reduce delays.
To facilitate regional trade, the Ministry of Commerce has granted a temporary exemption from the Financial Instrument requirement for exports to Iran and Central Asian Republics through the Iran land route, including key commodities such as rice.
The measure is intended to ease procedural requirements and promote the use of alternative trade corridors.
Pakistan exports rice to more than 150 countries and remains among the world’s leading rice producers and exporters. The country produces approximately 9–10 million metric tons (MMT) of rice annually, with an exportable surplus ranging between 4.5 and 5.5 MMT.
