Pakistan Export Updates

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Rice exports earn Pakistan $2.1bn in tumultuous FY23​

Amjad Mahmood
July 29, 2023

LAHORE: Despite significant production losses and other major challenges, Pakistan exported a total of 3.717 million tonnes of rice to earn $2.149 billion in FY23.

The rice sector showed strong resilience and immense resistance despite head and tail winds like devastating floods that wiped out one-third of Sindh’s crop, wavering rupee movement, tough competition from India, high freight charges as well as unavailability of vessels during the first six months of 2022-23.

The export of basmati varieties of rice stood at 595,120 tonnes fetching $650,423 at an average per tonne (APT) rate of $1,092. Coarse or non-basmati varieties’ export touched 3.122 million tonnes, fetching $1.498bn at an APT rate of $480.

In the preceding year, the country fetched $2.5bn by making export shipments of 4.8m tonnes.

Exports have been mainly hit by a drop in production, as against 9.1 million tonnes output during 2021-22, the country could harvest around 6 million tonnes of rice in FY23, a fall of over 34pc.

Floods and torrential rains had damaged paddy crops, particularly in Sindh and south Punjab districts and the overall crop losses had been estimated at around 20pc.

At least 35pc of the standing rice crop had been damaged in Sindh and 29pc in south Punjab while other rice-growing areas were partially hit by excessive heatwaves which affected the yields and the losses were reflected in the exports.

Hamid Malik, an expert on the rice trade, told Dawn that India had manipulated prices to facilitate its exporters by offering subsidies to farmers.

“This subsidy was in fact for the exporters and not the farming community as Indian rice export rates remained $60 to $70 lower than that of Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam in the international markets throughout the year.”

Higher basmati rates in the local market also affected its exports as stockists entered the local market and made their hey through speculative trade.

Samiullah Naeem, a former chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), says that basmati rice was available in the market at Rs8,500 per 40kg at the beginning of the crop season but within a couple of months the rate crossed even Rs12,000 per 40kg making it difficult for the exporters to fulfil their export commitments.

He says that speculative traders were the major beneficiaries of the price hike though rice growers and millers also benefited from it to some extent.

The export prospects for the current fiscal year seem to be promising as quotations for 25pc broken rice are being reported at $535 per tonne to their highest level since August 2008. The main push behind the rate hike is stated to be a ban by India on the export of its coarse rice varieties.

 

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All-time high rice exports likely​

Rizwan Bhatti
August 4, 2023

KARACHI: The country’s rice export fell sharply, ie, 14 percent during the last fiscal year (FY23) due to lower crop output because of flooding. However, the expected bumper crop and ban on rice export by India will help achieve all-time high rice exports during this fiscal year (FY24), exporters said.

According to official statistics, in terms of value Pakistan earned $ 2.14 billion foreign exchange against the export of rice during FY23 compared to $2.51 billion in the same period of fiscal year 2022 (FY22), depicting a decline of $ 364 million.

Overall, in terms of volume rice export shrunk by 25 percent during the last fiscal year. The country exported 3.717 million metric tons of rice including basmati and other varieties during July-June of FY23 as against 4.97 million metric ton in corresponding period of previous year.

 

[ghazi52]

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IT exports soar to $2.6b: Haque​

Pakistan Observer
Aug 3, 2023

Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication Amin Ul Haque on Tuesday said that IT exports had risen to $2.6 billion, which was less than $1 billion in 2020.

He said that $7.1 billion investment had been made in the telecommunication sector in the country and a good amount had been earned through the telecommunication sector.

Addressing a MoU Signing ceremony for the establishment of the Health Incubator and Science & Technology Park at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) of Karachi University (KU), he said that the signing of MoU with ICCBS was a good initiative for the future generation.

He said that a total of eight National Incubation Centres had been established in the country.

 

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Haier Pakistan exports to nine countries in 2023​

By Fatima Javed
Aug 7, 2023

ISLAMABAD,-To further boost Pakistan's economy, the Chinese multinational home appliances and consumer electronics company, Haier Pakistan, commenced its exports to nine different countries in 2023.

Javed Afridi, CEO of Haier and Ruba Pakistan, recently shared the news, stating that Pakistan will serve as the new export hub for the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa regions. Haier Pakistan has successfully exported its products to these nine countries.

He further mentioned that the company achieved remarkable growth of 35% in the home appliances industry, attaining the highest market share of 52% in the first half of the current year. Haier Pakistan is manufacturing products that will set global benchmarks.

Currently, the company is exporting Inverter refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, Smart LED TVs, kitchen appliances, and other home appliances to countries such as Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, and Yemen.

 

[ziaulislam]

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Haier Pakistan exports to nine countries in 2023​

By Fatima Javed
Aug 7, 2023

ISLAMABAD,-To further boost Pakistan's economy, the Chinese multinational home appliances and consumer electronics company, Haier Pakistan, commenced its exports to nine different countries in 2023.

Javed Afridi, CEO of Haier and Ruba Pakistan, recently shared the news, stating that Pakistan will serve as the new export hub for the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa regions. Haier Pakistan has successfully exported its products to these nine countries.

He further mentioned that the company achieved remarkable growth of 35% in the home appliances industry, attaining the highest market share of 52% in the first half of the current year. Haier Pakistan is manufacturing products that will set global benchmarks.

Currently, the company is exporting Inverter refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, Smart LED TVs, kitchen appliances, and other home appliances to countries such as Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, and Yemen.

Javed Afridi shoukd be less vocal in politics otherwise the company will close his business

Also as he has been doing in the past he should keep gifting vehicles to corps commanders, judges and their sons

 

[FuturePAF]

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Pakistani mangoes land in China via newly opened air cargo route​

By Xiong Weisheng | China Economic Net
Jun 8, 2023

NANNING – The second batch of Pakistani mangoes arrived in Nanning, capital of China’s southwest autonomous region of Guangxi, on the afternoon of June 8, Adnan Hafeez, Director of Imperial Ventures (Pvt) Ltd, told China Economic Net (CEN) in an interview.

The shipment comprising one tonne of Sindhri variety was transported by YTO Express via a newly opened cargo flight between Lahore and Nanning, the businessman told CEN reporter. “We have been working with this airline for the past four years, so we feel comfortable continuing to work with them as the level of cooperation and understanding is high.”

Known for its large size, yellow colour and ample sweetness, the Pakistani king of fruits will be shared with major Chinese B2B clients and outlets for sampling after custom clearance and necessary certifications by the relevant Chinese authorities, he noted.

Having brought Pakistani mangoes to the Chinese market over the past few years, Adnan’s team has been working to enhance mango quality as well as packaging and storage techniques, he shared with CEN. “Recently, we have conducted mango bagging activity in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to improve quality at source.”

He added, more focus will be devoted to saving costs as air cargo is still costly. “We are trying to send the unripe and the bulk packing mangoes to save some cost.”

The first shipment of Pakistani mangoes reached Nanning on May 31, distributed directly to a major Chinese fruit outlet, Adnan revealed.

Another batch of Sindri mangoes weighing 3.5 tonnes will land in Nanning on June 10, which will be sold both online and offline, a Guangzhou-based enterprise told CEN in an interview.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistani mangos will make their debut in China’s Xinjiang this year as a Pakistani logistics enterprise is prepared to transport the Pakistani king of fruits to Xinjiang via the land route, as per a previous CEN report.

Pakistan needs to ensure the mangos exported meet certain metrics so they can be marketed correctly.

“Melts in your mouth” is what one person who did a taste test said about it. There is a lot of competition out there, but getting known for a unique aspect will allow it to be an ingredient in cooking around the world and increase exports exponentially.

So it would be Multani Mangoes; the Fruit M&Ms; Melts in your mouth not in your hands.

 

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Strategic export revival programme to be unveiled this month​

Mubarak Zeb Khan
September 3, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The overall export earnings showed a modest month-on-month recovery in August as the commerce ministry is set to announce a plan for reopening the operations of more than 1,600 textile industries that were shut down in the past 16 months, a high-ranking government official told Dawn.

A strategic framework is being finalised to provide regional competitive energy pricing, working capital support, speedy refund payments, enhanced market access, and diversification of products. “The policy announcement is scheduled for this month to unlock the full production capacity potential within the country”, Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz told Dawn on Saturday.

The shutdown of industries extends throughout the entire value chain, encompassing stages such as ginning, weaving, spinning, processing and garment manufacturing. Additionally, there are instances where industries are operating with reduced production levels, he said.

Mr Ejaz further said that approximately 20pc of the overall installed capacity in the textile and clothing sector was impacted over the past 16 months.

 

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Pakistan’s exports to China surged by 81.6% in August​

By Tahir Ali
Sep 13, 2023

ISLAMABA - In the second month of the fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan’s exports to China have demonstrated a promising trend, marking a remarkable surge. During the month of August, exports to China soared by an impressive 81.6% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Statistics from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan

According to the latest report of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in August of the current fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan’s exports to China reached the figure of $ 211 million. This represents an 81.6% increase compared to the exports recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year, which stood at $ 116.2 million in FY 2022-23.

As per the report, in August 2023, Pakistan’s exports to United Kingdom reached $ 190 million, exports to the Netherlands stood at $ 130.7 million, Afghanistan received exports worth $ 76.4 million from Pakistan, KSA imported goods valued at $ 51.8 million, Vietnam’s imports from Pakistan totaled $ 38.7 million, exports to Poland amounted to $ 37.2 million, Malaysia received exports worth $ 32.5 million and Turkey imported goods worth $ 30.1 million from Pakistan.

For the second consecutive month in FY 2023-24, Pakistan’s exports to China maintain positive growth. In July 2023, the country’s exports to China increased by 35.1% compared to the same month of the previous financial year.

During August 2023, Pakistan’s exports to different destinations of the world stood at $ 2363 million which is 14.27% less than the exports of the country in correspondent month last year. In the same month, Pakistan’s imports were recorded at $4,489 million, resulting in a trade deficit of -$2,126 million.

Statistics from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan

In August, Pakistan’s top export products included linen products valued at $364.6 million, followed by cotton yarn at $103.7 million and copper products at $57.5 million.

 

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Exports to Middle East jump​

Mubarak Zeb Khan
September 17, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Exports to the Middle East bounced back with a growth of 20.82 per cent in July led by a demand revival from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

However, the exports to the United Arab Emirates decreased, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.

In FY23, Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East fell by 12.62pc to $2.332bn compared to $2.669bn in the preceding year. Pakistan witnessed a 7.24pc decline in imports totalling $17.488bn in FY23, down from $18.853bn in the previous year.

Exports to Saudi Arabia saw an increase of 43.71pc in July to $42.634m from $29.666m over the corresponding month of last year. Saudi Arabia is Pakistan’s second biggest market in the region in terms of value after the UAE. In FY23, the exports jumped 13.1pc to $503.40m from $420.40m in the preceding fiscal year.

Exports to Saudi Arabia have stagnated at around $500m in the last decade due to no expansion in market access as compared to the UAE. Top exports to Saudi Arabia include rice (semi- or wholly milled), bovine carcasses and half carcasses, tents, textile materials, etc.

Pakistan’s exports to Qatar increased 4.67pc to $6.698m in July from $5.184m during FY23, which include rice, bovine carcasses, potatoes, onions, guavas, mangoes, etc. Pakistan exports to Kuwait increased by 1.84pc to $8.189m during July FY24 from $8.100m over the corresponding month of last year.

Nearly 62pc of total exports to the region go to the UAE market alone. However, it suffered a decline of 20.23pc to $1.474bn in FY23 from $1.848bn over the corresponding months FY22.

 

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REAP expect record rice export of $ 3 billion in Year 2023​

by The Frontier Post

ISLAMABAD: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) on Wednesday expected that this year, the export of rice will be above the record $ 3 billion, which is very encouraging.

Last year 2021-22 the rice crop was destroyed due to the floods, because of which the export of rice has decreased, Chairman REAP, Chela Ram Kewlani told APP.

Last year, he said the production of rice crops improved and there were also new opportunities in the emerging markets of different regions.
He said that facilities are given to rice exporters by the government, but due to the high tariffs in different countries, the export of rice has become a problem, so agreements with these countries are needed.


Kewlani said that during the finalization of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with different countries, the rice sector should also be included so that the tariff lines will come down for rice exporters.

He said that this would have a positive impact on rice export and new opportunities will be created for the exports in the sector.

Chairman REAP said that by increasing the export of rice, the exchange rate will be stable, but overall the country’s economy will be strengthened.

Meanwhile, talking to the APP, former Chairman Rice Export Association of Pakistan and Rice Exporter Ali Hasan has said that rice exporters in Pakistan are looking for global markets, but there are also some challenges facing them such as high tariffs and other duties in the rice exporter markets.

He said that rice should be included as a product for the export of rice in all free trade agreements so that the original potential of rice export can be achieved.

Ali also expressed the hope that this year there will be an increase in rice production and stocks and a record increase in its exports.

Replying to a question, he said that after the approval of the Global Indication (GI) law in the country, Pakistan will have significant opportunities to increase its economic and trade activities in the international market.

The rice exporter said that now after this legislation; a level playing field will be available for the export of various Agro-trade goods including rice in the international market.

He said that Geographical Indication would serve as a potential economic tool to promote and increase national and international trade by attracting global demand and premium prices for Pakistani products in the international market. (APP)

 

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Over 340,237 metric tons of rice valued at $233.991 million were exported during the first two months of the current financial year as compared to exports of 507,144 metric worth $283.056 million in the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-August, 2023 rice exports from the country decreased by 17.33 per cent as against the exports of the same period of the last year, according to data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. However, during the period under review exports of Basmati rice grew by 8.29 per cent as 79,257 metric tons of rice valued at $94.733 million were exported as compared to the exports of 84,709 metric tons costing $87.480 million the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the country earned $39.338 million by exporting about 20,539 metric tons of fish and fish preparations as compared to the exports of 15,922 metric tons of fish and fish products worth $38.086 million in the same period of last year. It may be recalled here that food group exports during the first two months of the current financial year decreased by 1.65 per cent as food commodities valued at $711.748 million were exported as compared to the exports of $723.696 million of the same period of last year.

On the other hand food group imports into the country during first two months of current financial year decreased by 26.91 per cent as compared to the imports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-August, 2023 food imports into the country came down from $1.783 billion to $1.303 billion.

 

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Punjab set to export rice worth $2bn this year​

 

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The European Parliament unanimously voted to extend the current generalised system of preferences (GSP+) for another four years until 2027 for #Pakistan, to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the European market.

 

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Gas subsidy proposed for exporters​

Shahbaz Rana
The government has proposed huge hidden gas subsidies of 44% for Pakistan’s richest exporters in the upcoming price revision but would increase rates for domestic consumers up to 172%, underscoring the elite capture of diminishing resources.

The hidden subsidies are in violation of the commitments given to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and against a decision of the last federal cabinet that wanted an end to the supply of cheap local gas to the self-generation power plants of industries, known as captive power plants.

Official documents of the Ministry of Energy revealed that some categories of domestic consumers and public transport would be paying a price higher than the imported gas price as a result of the upcoming pricing review.

The proposed rates for commercial users and cement manufacturing plants are double than the price for captive power plants.

 

[ghazi52]

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Food exports rise 18pc in July-Sept​

Mubarak Zeb Khan
October 20, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s food exports grew more than 18 per cent in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 to $1.28 billion, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The surge in food products exports can be attributed to the unprecedented rupee depreciation. In addition, persistent disruptions in the supply chain and higher prices in the international market have led to a soaring demand for food products.

In September, Pakistan’s annual food inflation was over 34pc. PBS data showed the country’s rice exports rose 0.98pc in the first three months of FY24 owing to higher exports of basmati rice. Rice exports had been falling for the past year.

Basmati rice exports witnessed a growth of 20.48pc to $406.38 million in July-September. The reason for the increase in basmati rice exports is India’s rice export prohibition and an increased rice output in Pakistan.

Weak rupee during the quarter helped Pakistan fetch higher proceeds from global market

As a result, the average basmati rice price increased dramatically in the domestic market. In quantity, basmati rice exports saw an increase of 3.68pc during the months under review.

Pakistan exported fish and fish products worth $83.06m in the first quarter of FY24, showing a growth of 3.75pc from a year ago. The expansion in fishery kinds, such as cuttlefish, is driving the increase in seafood exports. Furthermore, Qatar has eased its prohibition on Pakistani seafood imports.

Pakistan exported $112.98m worth of meat in the first quarter, showing a growth of 20.05pc. The reason for the increase in meat exports is the introduction of new markets like Jordan, Egypt, and Uzbekistan. At the same time, several new enterprises are registering to export meat to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.

Malaysia also cleared another three slaughterhouses for export/processing. Furthermore, one meat exporting company was granted market access for heat-treated meat shipments to China.

In contrast, meat prices in the domestic market have risen at an unprecedented rate in recent years.

Export of fruits saw an increase of 12.43pc in the first three months to $88.66m. However, vegetable exports dipped 30.35pc to $51.41m this year.

Pakistan’s spices exports increased 23.51pc to $23.75m in the first quarter. The export of oil seeds, nuts and kernels increased 405.85pc to $185.99m in the three months under review.

Sugar exports stood at 33,102 metric tonnes in the first quarter of the current fiscal year against no exports during the same period last year.