ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s food import bill surged to nearly $2.252 billion during the first three months of the current fiscal year, marking a 35.56% increase from $1.661 billion in the same period last year, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The rise in food imports was primarily driven by increased demand for sugar, edible oil, and tea. Palm oil accounted for the largest share of food imports, followed by pulses, tea, soybean oil, and sugar.
Notably, sugar imports saw an unprecedented spike, with Pakistan importing 31,289 metric tonnes during the first quarter of FY26, a massive year-on-year increase of 3,050.38% compared to just 993 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
In value terms, sugar imports jumped 1,746% to $18.98 million, up from $1.03 million in the same period last year. This surge came after the government allowed sugar imports to address domestic shortages and stabilize market prices. Retail sugar prices have fluctuated between Rs170 and Rs200 per kg across various cities.
As part of a trade agreement with the United States, Pakistan also increased its soybean oil imports. During July-September 2025, soybean oil imports reached 52,054 metric tonnes, a 70.89% rise from 30,460 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
In value terms, soybean oil imports soared to $56.65 million, compared to $29.57 million in the previous year. This shift reflects Pakistan’s growing reliance on soybean oil for its edible oil needs.
The value of palm oil imports also saw a sharp rise, reaching $1 billion in the first quarter of FY26, up from $746.41 million a year ago.
The import bill for other food items rose by 65.96% to $689.57 million in FY26, compared to $415.49 million in the same period last year.
