Pakistan is accelerating its rice export diversification toward Africa, Central Asia, and the Far East markets as regional trade disruptions raise freight costs, delay shipments, and threaten traditional export routes.

According to an official document, disruptions in key shipping lanes have forced vessel rerouting and pushed up fuel, logistics, and insurance costs, eroding export competitiveness and risking short-term declines in some Middle Eastern markets.

Authorities are responding by developing alternative land and maritime corridors, expanding exporter capacity, and deploying digital platforms — including the Phyto system — to streamline procedures. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has integrated phytosanitary certification with the Pakistan Single Window, with over 85% of certificates now issued within 24 hours.

The Ministry of Commerce has also granted a temporary exemption from the Financial Instrument requirement for exports to Iran and the Central Asian Republics via the Iran land route, covering key commodities including rice.

Pakistan exports rice to more than 150 countries and produces 9-10 million metric tons annually, with an exportable surplus of 4.5-5.5 MMT.

Overall exports remained broadly stable, edging down from 4.38 MMT in 2024 to 4.32 MMT in 2025.

During January-April 2026, exports reached approximately 1.49 MMT. Shipments to Afghanistan fell to zero due to border closures, while the UAE and China held firm. African markets — particularly the Ivory Coast — recorded growth, reflecting the diversification push in practice.

On food safety, a crackdown on pesticide use and stricter compliance measures have delivered measurable results. EU interceptions dropped sharply from 77 cases in 2024 to 38 in 2025, falling further to just five cases through April 2026 — signalling a meaningful shift toward quality-focused exports in premium markets.