Pakistan overtakes Vietnam in monthly rice exports in September

Pakistan overtook Vietnam in monthly rice export volumes in September 2026, taking third place among rice exporting countries, according to reports by Express News and 24 News. The gain came despite tensions in the Gulf region and obstacles on global shipping routes.

Pakistan exported 420,000 tonnes of rice in the month, while Vietnam's exports were 337,000 tonnes. The 24NewsHD TV channel reported that Pakistan earned an average of $621 per tonne in September, compared with $563 per tonne for Vietnamese exporters.

Pakistan's rice export volume rose 51 percent in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27 compared with the same period last year. Foreign exchange earned from rice exports rose 37 percent during July to September 2026.

According to the reports, demand for Pakistani rice, especially Basmati, held up in global markets despite US-Iran tensions and Gulf maritime obstacles. Global Basmati trade stayed at about 6.9 million tonnes, the same as the 2025 volume.

Rice industry expert Hamid Malik said Pakistan's export performance had improved since December 2025, when Pakistan surpassed Vietnam's monthly export volume for the first time in more than two decades. He attributed the improvement to substantial carry-over stocks and an 18 to 20 percent expansion in rice cultivation in the latest planting season.

The reports describe a difficult background. In 2025, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam saw considerable declines in rice exports because of unfavourable weather and market pressures, while India kept its dominant position in international rice trade. Non-aromatic rice exports from major exporters including Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam fell generally by 20 to 30 percent.

Pakistan's rice export sector operates largely through private businesses and market-based procurement. It does not benefit from a government-backed minimum support price for paddy, state-funded marine insurance or freight subsidies. Higher inland transport and processing costs, shipment delays and longer payment cycles added pressure on traders in 2026.

Experts quoted in the reports said the increase could be an important source of foreign exchange, but quality, production costs and export delivery systems must improve for Pakistan to stay competitive.