Pakistan’s rice sector is facing mounting pressure as exports continue to fall, raising fears among exporters about worsening economic stability and weakening global competitiveness linked to Pakistan’s rice export crisis this year.
At a meeting during the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) delegation’s visit to KCCI, Group Chairman REAP Abdul Rahim Janoo said rice exporters are struggling due to falling exports, rising taxes, and continuing policy uncertainty nationwide.
Janoo warned that current market indicators show downward patterns, creating financial strain for exporters who are now unable to cover operational costs. He urged urgent attention from policymakers to stabilize the sector.
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He recalled that when he first took charge as Chairman, Pakistan’s rice exports were around three hundred million dollars. Through aggressive global outreach, these exports had grown to nearly four billion dollars.
He lamented that despite years of progress, rice exports are declining again, placing exporters under severe pressure. Many who operate real estate or stock businesses are additionally burdened with higher taxes.
Janoo suggested that KCCI and REAP should hold regular consultations to address ongoing issues and revive export performance. He invited the chamber’s leadership for detailed discussions to support joint efforts.
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He praised the Biryani Festival as a powerful promotional idea and encouraged KCCI to collaborate in hosting diplomats. He said offering different biryani varieties could boost global recognition for Pakistani rice.
Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala said rice remains Pakistan’s second-largest export after textiles, earning four billion dollars. He called the drop to 2.6 billion dollars a major economic setback for the country.
Motiwala stressed that Pakistan cannot bear such losses and urged the government to immediately intervene. He said the fall of 1.5 billion dollars in rice exports is economically alarming.
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He noted that despite government claims about economic improvements, real export growth remains stagnant. He said remittances, not exports, are driving foreign exchange reserves, which reflects deeper structural issues.
Motiwala added that Pakistan’s true export potential is at least one hundred fifty billion dollars. He said this can only be achieved through value-added products instead of raw commodity exports.
He cited Thailand’s value-added rice products as examples Pakistan should study. He urged REAP to invest in research and development to promote innovation and greater export returns.
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He said industries cannot upgrade machinery due to high input costs, especially gas tariffs, which are severely damaging industrial viability and discouraging long-term investment across multiple sectors.
Earlier, KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif appreciated REAP’s support and acknowledged the recent decline in rice exports. He assured full assistance from KCCI to help address industry challenges immediately.
He said rice exports had shown steady improvement in recent years but are now weakening. Hanif said the chamber looks forward to Rahim Janoo’s guidance in resolving the critical issues confronting exporters.
