The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tonnes of rice for export to Bangladesh. The tender, announced on November 20, invites sealed bids from companies, partnerships, and sole proprietors to supply long grain white rice (IRRI-6) via Karachi ports.
Bids must be submitted by 11:30am on November 28, with price offers valid for 21 working days. The rice must be shipped within 45 days after the contract award, supplied from stocks of the latest Pakistani crop, and fit for human consumption without odour, mould, or infestation.
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Companies can bid for a minimum of 25,000 tonnes or multiples thereof, with a maximum of 100,000 tonnes plus or minus 5 percent. Traders see the tender as a step to increase Pakistani rice supplies in Bangladesh, amid expectations that some recent purchases may still be sourced from India.
Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed direct government-to-government rice trade in February, starting with 50,000 tonnes. At last month’s 9th Joint Economic Commission, Pakistan also offered Karachi Port Trust as a gateway for Dhaka’s trade with regional countries, including China and Central Asia.
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Rice exports from Pakistan fell 28 percent in the first quarter of FY26, largely due to India’s resumption of rice exports and removal of minimum export prices. However, Pakistan maintained its market foothold in premium segments and gained opportunities in the US market after India faced a 50 percent tariff on basmati rice.