ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 – Pakistan’s food import bill witnessed a sharp 35.56% increase during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (3MFY26), rising to $2.252 billion from $1.661 billion in the same period last year, according to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The spike was largely driven by costly imports of sugar, edible oils, and tea, reflecting ongoing domestic supply challenges and rising global commodity prices.
The dramatic rise comes in response to the government’s decision to allow sugar imports in a bid to address domestic shortages and stabilise market prices.https://t.co/lCBrkWbMcl
— Dawn Business (@dawn_business) October 17, 2025
Among the major contributors, palm oil maintained the largest share, with imports valued at over $1 billion, up from $746 million in 3MFY25. Pakistan’s soyabean oil imports also saw a significant rise under a trade agreement with the United States, jumping 70.89% in volume to 52,054 metric tonnes, with the import value soaring to $56.65 million from $29.57 million a year earlier.
The most dramatic increase was observed in sugar imports, which skyrocketed by 3,050% in volume to 31,289 metric tonnes, up from just 993 tonnes last year. In value terms, sugar imports surged 1,746% to $18.98 million amid government efforts to stabilize the domestic market, where sugar prices have fluctuated between Rs170 and Rs200 per kg.
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The overall food import bill was further inflated by a 65.96% rise in other food item categories, reaching $689.57 million from $415.49 million last year.
Analysts warn that while imports may provide short-term relief for consumers, the rising bill could strain Pakistan’s external account and underscore the urgent need to boost domestic agricultural productivity and supply chain efficiency.
