Pakistan’s food imports saw a sharp increase in July 2025, with the country importing over 110,000 metric tons of pulses, worth $73.8 million. This marks a 13.25% rise from the same period last year, reflecting the growing demand for essential food items. The data, compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, reveals significant changes in the import landscape, especially in oils and other food commodities.
The country’s need for vegetable ghee and cooking oil led to a substantial rise in soybean oil imports. In July 2025, Pakistan imported 29,150 metric tons of soybean oil valued at $31.84 million, a staggering 3,033.64% increase from just 1,000 metric tons worth $1.016 million in July 2024. This massive spike highlights the growing demand for edible oils amid rising domestic consumption.
Palm oil imports also saw a marked increase. In July 2025, Pakistan imported 286,836 metric tons of palm oil, amounting to $302.149 million, up 26.11% from the previous year. This surge comes as domestic consumption of cooking oils continues to rise, fueling a demand for both palm and soybean oil.
In total, food group imports soared by 44.90% in the first month of FY2026, reaching $743.879 million, up from $513.389 million in July 2024. Other food items, such as milk, cream, and infant food, also saw significant increases. These imports grew by 92.64%, with 6,555 metric tons valued at $15.02 million, compared to 3,728 metric tons worth $7.8 million in the previous year.
Despite the rising imports, food exports from Pakistan decreased by 10.25% in July 2025. Exports of rice, vegetables, and oilseeds fell significantly, but there were notable increases in fish exports, fruits, and meat. Exports of fish grew by 18.60%, fruits by 43.63%, and meat exports rose by 9.80%. These mixed trends indicate both challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s food trade sector.
Overall, while food imports surged, particularly for essential items like pulses, oils, and dry fruits, the decline in food exports indicates a pressing need for the country to balance its trade and boost domestic food production.