Pakistan Targets Record Hybrid Rice Exports to China Amid Indian Export Restrictions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan aims to ship approximately 600,000 metric tons of hybrid non-basmati rice to China this year, a senior representative of the rice exporters’ association stated, highlighting that Beijing’s new restrictions on Indian exporters due to fertilizer residue concerns are creating opportunities for Pakistani suppliers.

Pakistan ranks among the world’s top rice exporters, shipping nearly 6 million metric tons valued at $3.3 billion last year, according to the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP). China is a key market for Pakistan’s non-basmati rice, as the country cultivates hybrid rice varieties often sourced from Chinese seeds. For fiscal year 2025–26, China’s total rice imports reached 5 million metric tons ($2.199 billion), with Pakistan contributing 456,359 metric tons ($162 million) to this volume.

Javed Jillani, REAP’s senior vice president, explained to Arab News that China has imposed non-tariff barriers on multiple Indian rice exporters for quality and compliance issues. He emphasized that this has created a supply gap in China’s market, which Pakistani exporters aim to capitalize on. “We are on track to exceed 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons of exports by December, potentially setting new trade records,” Jillani said during a Wednesday meeting with Arab News. Al Jazeera previously reported that China canceled import licenses for three Indian rice exporters in April due to suspected genetically modified organism traces.

REAP’s delegation recently visited China to strengthen export ties, finalizing agreements for 60,000 metric tons of rice during B2B sessions with major importers. Pakistani media outlet “The News” cited REAP regarding potential $1.5 billion in hybrid rice exports to China amid declining trade with India. However, an anonymous commerce ministry official contested this figure, stating that while exports will grow, the $1.5 billion projection is unrealistic. The official noted China imports rice from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, meaning Indian restrictions alone cannot drive such demand.

REAP founder Shahzad Ali Malik underscored Pakistan’s competitive edge, as nearly 60% of its non-basmati rice is hybrid, using Chinese seeds. “We produce the exact variety consumed in China,” Malik added, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships to meet China’s strict food safety and pesticide residue standards. He emphasized surplus supply readiness and the need for contractual frameworks and improved seed certification to sustain growth.

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