Pakistan Eyes Philippines To Expand Rice Exports Global Challenges

By Megha Bajaj

Recently, Pakistan has emerged as third world’s largest rice exporter in the world. The country is relentlessly striving to further strengthen its rice exports. Following recent efforts to initiate rice trade with Indonesia, Pakistan is now looking to do rice exports to the Philippines. For this, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, on the special instructions of Prime Minister Jamal Khan, has contacted the Philippines regarding rice trade. According to sources, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan requested an increase in rice exports with the Philippine Ambassador, Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez during a meeting. An official statement issued as per the meeting that Pakistan's Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, in line with efforts to identify priority markets for Pakistani rice exports, requested the Philippine government to consider increasing its purchases from Pakistan. When it comes to Pakistan's rice stocks, Jam Kamal Khan stated that Pakistan currently has a surplus stock of rice, supported by strong agricultural production and consistent quality standards.

Pakistan has identified Philippines as a key partner country for rice exports

Not only this, but Khan also stated that the return of major global suppliers has intensified price competition. He cited that Pakistan has developed a mechanism to ensure benchmark price competitiveness, including financial bridging when necessary, to remain competitive while ensuring quality and quantity. In the context of rice exports to the Philippines, Minister Jam Kamal Khan believes that closer price coordination through institutional cooperation can increase rice trade between the two countries. During the meeting with the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Khan informed the Ambassador that Pakistan has identified the Philippines as a key partner country for rice exports, especially ahead of upcoming procurement tenders. Furthermore, Khan also stressed the need for timely coordination between the two countries regarding rice trade during his meeting with Fernandez. Meanwhile, Pakistan's request in association with rice trade has been welcomed by the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, who mentioned that Pakistan is one of the top three rice suppliers to the Philippines and has the potential to increase its market share. He also stated that the rice trade will be a priority agenda item at the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Economic Commission session to be held in February 2026.  As per reports, both countries reviewed progress on a draft MoU for government-to-government rice procurement for several years, with technical teams coordinating before tenders.

3^rd Largest Rice Exporter Yet Several Challenges Ahead

After becoming the world's third-largest rice exporter, Pakistan believes it can further enhance its position by exploring new markets for its rice. However, there are several challenges in this regard. Although Pakistan is a competitor to India in rice exports, the trust that India has built with its buyers in the rice export sector is something Pakistan can only dream of. Regarding Pakistan's rice production and exports, in the previous year 2025, Pakistan's rice exports faced pressure due to competition from India, price fluctuations, and a decline in global demand.

Rice Exports from Pakistan to China witnessed a rise

However, rice exports from Pakistan to China have witnessed a rise. But a decline in Pakistan's total export value was recorded in 2025. According to data, Pakistan exported approximately 5.54 million metric tons of rice in the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2024-25, but these figures declined in the first quarter of 2025-26. This has increased market challenges, and exporters have faced losses due to falling prices. However, orders from countries such as Bangladesh and China have supported Pakistani rice exports. Currently, Pakistan is among the leading countries in the world in terms of rice exports. The country is known for exporting Basmati rice as well as other varieties of rice. Pakistan's rice exports witness significant growth in 2023-24, reaching $4 billion. This sudden increase in rice exports was driven by shipments to countries such as China, Malaysia, the UK, and Afghanistan. In recent times, Pakistan has focused on enhancing the packaging and quality of its rice exports, which has contributed to this growth. China and Malaysia are among the significant buyers of Pakistani rice.