Overview
Rice is a staple food item for more than half of the world’s population and is a critical global commodity. As per the study, more than ½ billion metric tons is consumed annually. With Pakistan’s recent suspension of rice exports, the spotlight has shifted to other players like China, which has gained prominence as a powerful force in the international market (competitive sector). Pakistan exported 5.5 – 5.8, million metric tons of rice in 2024-2025.
China’s Increasing Role in Agricultural Imports
Rice is one of Pakistan’s most important crops. It feeds people around the world and is a reliable source of income for farmers at home. It is exported to many countries; China has established a key market of rice especially in the last few years. China has opened its arms for Pakistan with its huge population, growing class, and increasing demand for all varieties of rice. Pakistan has availed this opportunity to increase foreign exchange earnings and trade knots.
In the first half of 2025, Pakistan’s rice exports to China went up by 84%- $35.93 million as China worked to diversify its food sources (121% export increased to China). Let’s start the post by exploring the journey of rice, background, difficulties, challenges, export trends, and opportunities to build a strong relationship.
Is rice important in Pakistan’s economy?
Yes, it is 100% true- Pakistan is one of the world’s largest rice exporters. Pakistan produces 6 million tons/year. It is possible due to the fertile land of different provinces of Pakistan-millions of land labourers and farmers depend on rice farming as their main source of income.
The most famous rice variety if basmati rice as it is loved by everyone in the world- features of long-grain, very good taste, and enticing aroma. It plays an important role in dishes like biryani, kheer, firni and other rice-based food. 40% of production consists of basmati rice and 60% are other varieties. Pakistan is annually exports millions of tons all over the world. Rice exporter in Pakistan, from an important portion of Pakistan’s economy, is linked the Pakistani farmer and agricultural production system in the international market.
What is a Pakistani Rice Exporter?
A rice exporter is one who starts the business of rice export and takes all responsibilities of production, processing (logistics& shipping), packaging, and selling to other countries. They work as a communication medium between farmers and buyers or the international market. Their source is Pakistan’s market, and their target is the international market. Exporters provide products after proper cleaning, processing, and packing requirements as per international standards. Pakistani exporters make it possible and ensure that Pakistani rice reaches the table all over the world, bringing together culture, taste, and traditions.
| Year | Total Rice Export (MT) | Export Value (Billion USD) | Basmati Export Value (Million USD) |
| 2022-23 | 5.59 | 3.63 | 774 |
| 2023-24 | 5.70 | 3.90 | 782 |
| 2024-25* | 5.54 | 3.20 | 782 |
Exports as a Backbone of Economic Progress
Exporter plays an important role in many ways to boost Pakistan’s economy. Here is how they do:
Create Jobs: Many people depend on the rice industry, including farmers, consumers, and workers who work in this industry for cleaning, processing, packing, and delivery tasks, all these workers contribute to providing rice from the field to export. Exporters help farmers to sell their product to an international market. Pakistan gets money from these sales to other countries, which is called foreign exchange, which the government pays for international projects, hospitals, schools, and other needs.
Basmati Rice Exporting Challenges
- Climate Change
- Market Competition
- Rules and Trade Policies of the Government
Still, Pakistani exporters are not disappointed but work hard in all circumstances.
Why China Matters as a Market
China is the world’s largest rice customer because it has a population of over 1.4 billion-itself a leading rice producer. China also imports huge volumes to meet the demands and maintain stocks. Pakistan is a strategic partner of China under the framework of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)- empowering agricultural trade especially rice export, between 2 countries due to the supreme quality, lower price, and CPFTA (China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement).
Varieties Exported to China (Nansha, Shekou, Huangpu, Xiamen)
The rice Pakistan exports to China falls broadly into 2 categories:
- Basmati Rice (Super Basmati and 1121 Golden Sella Basmati).
- Broken rice Non-Basmati Varieties (IRRI and Hybrids)
- Semi- or Wholly Milled Rice:
Opportunities for Growth
There are different opportunities of growth for Pakistan
- Rising Middle-Class Demand
- Strategic Trade Partnerships
- Value Addition and Branding
- Expanding Mill Approvals