Driven by a double-digit rise in spice consumption and sustained demand for palm oil, Pakistan’s overall food imports grew by 11.66% during the fiscal year 2025–26, reaching $9.150 billion compared to $8.195 billion in FY25, according to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Conversely, the country’s food exports took a significant hit, dropping over 29% to $5.017 billion, down from $7.116 billion the previous year.
Key Highlights from the PBS Report
- Spices Import Surge: Spice imports rose 13.56% in value to reach $260.155 million (221,271 metric tons), up from $229.096 million (211,262 metric tons) in FY25.
- Palm Oil Demand Climbs: Imports of palm oil increased to $3.785 billion for 3.482 million metric tons, compared to $3.394 billion (3.21 million metric tons) in the corresponding period last year.
- Soybean Oil Drops: In contrast, soybean oil imports saw a sharp decline, falling to $108.683 million (97,521 metric tons) from $344.026 million (321,211 metric tons) in the previous fiscal year.
Trade Summary (FY25 vs. FY26)
| Trade Category | FY 2024–25 | FY 2025–26 | YoY Change |
| Total Food Imports | $8.195 Billion | $9.150 Billion | +11.66% |
| Total Food Exports | $7.116 Billion | $5.017 Billion | -29.50% |
| Palm Oil Imports | $3.394 Billion | $3.785 Billion | +11.52% |
| Spice Imports | $229.096 Million | $260.155 Million | +13.56% |
| Soybean Oil Imports | $344.026 Million | $108.683 Million | -68.41% |
