Pakistan imported over 110,098 metric tons of pulses, valued at $73.837 million, during the first month of the current financial year, marking a 13.25% increase from 96,223 metric tons worth $55.552 million during the same period last year, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
In order to meet local demand for vegetable ghee and cooking oil, over 29,150 metric tons of soybean oil, valued at $31.840 million, were imported during the first month of FY2026, compared to imports of soybean oil in the same period last year.
Soybean imports saw a dramatic rise of 3,033.64 percent, reaching 29,150 metric tons in July 2025, compared to just 1,000 metric tons worth $1.016 million during the same month last year.
Additionally, 286,836 metric tons of palm oil, valued at $302.149 million, were imported in July 2025 to meet domestic requirements, compared to 256,460 metric tons worth $239.600 million during the same month in the previous year. Palm oil imports grew by 26.11 percent in July 2025.
Food group imports surged by 44.90 percent in the first month of FY2026, amounting to $743.879 million, up from $513.389 million in the same month last year. Imports of commodities such as milk, cream, and food for infants grew by 92.64 percent, with 6,555 metric tons imported, valued at $15.023 million, compared to 3,728 metric tons worth $7.799 million in July 2024.
Further, 7,079 metric tons of dry fruits and nuts worth $8.295 million, and 19,030 metric tons of tea valued at $41.994 million, were imported in July 2025. This was an increase of 42.95 percent for dry fruits and nuts and a 0.27 percent increase for tea compared to the same period last year.
Imports of spices also rose, with over 19,556 metric tons valued at $23.796 million, marking a 19 percent increase. Pulses imports increased by 10.95 percent in July 2025 compared to the previous year.
In contrast, food group exports from Pakistan decreased by 10.25 percent during the first month of FY2026. Food exports were valued at $426.995 million, down from $475.766 million in July 2024.
The exports of rice decreased by 18.29 percent, vegetables by 44.95 percent, and oilseeds and nuts by 27.24 percent. However, exports of fish and fish preparations grew by 18.60 percent, fruits by 43.63 percent, and tobacco exports saw a significant increase of 786.63 percent.
Meat exports also saw an increase of 9.80 percent, with over 9,031 metric tons of meat, valued at $40.461 million, being exported in July 2025, compared to 8,408 metric tons valued at $36.849 million during the same month last year.
