ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (ABC): Pakistan recorded a sharp decline in agro and food exports in December. Lower rice shipments played a major role in the drop, according to the Monthly Trade Report issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
Agro exports drive overall decline
TDAP data shows that agro and food exports fell by 40 percent compared to December last year. This fall made the sector a key reason behind weaker export earnings. Meanwhile, other export sectors showed smaller declines.
Rice exports fall sharply
Rice exports dropped significantly during the month. TDAP reported that rice shipments fell by 38 percent in December. Export earnings declined to $208 million from last year’s level. Even so, rice remained one of Pakistan’s top agricultural export items.
Other food products also decline
The report shows that several other food items also recorded lower exports. These declines show that the slowdown affected the wider agro sector. The drop did not remain limited to a single product.
First half of FY26 remains weak
Agro exports also stayed under pressure during the first half of FY26. TDAP data shows a 35 percent decline from July to December. Export earnings fell to $2.688 billion during the period. These figures were lower than last year’s level.
Textiles reduce overall losses
The textile sector performed better than agro exports. Some textile categories reported declines, but the overall fall remained limited. Textiles continued to lead Pakistan’s export earnings and helped reduce total losses.
Exports fall year-on-year
TDAP data shows that Pakistan’s total exports declined on a year-on-year basis in December. The fall in agro and food exports played a major role. Data for July–December FY26 also shows weaker earnings from agriculture, while some non-agricultural exports stayed stable.