Pakistan expands rice exports to China amid deepening wheat shortage

Pakistan has signed a deal to ship 60,000 tonnes of rice, including Basmati and non‑Basmati varieties, to China’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen provinces. The arrangement, brokered by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, is expected to generate $300‑$400 million in foreign‑exchange earnings, and a 20‑member Pakistani delegation is staying in China until late July to finalise the terms.

At the same time, Pakistan is confronting a severe wheat crisis. Provincial procurement fell far short of targets, with Punjab securing only about 480,000 tonnes of a 3 million‑tonne goal and Sindh about 200,000 tonnes. The shortfall leaves the country with an estimated 3.5 million‑tonne deficit, despite importing a similar volume last year at a cost exceeding $1 billion. Officials warn that wheat prices could rise to PKR 6,000 per maund, threatening food security and further straining foreign‑exchange reserves.