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Islamabad (Daily Pakistan Online)Pakistan’s rice exports have hit a roadblock after the European Union blocked shipments of contaminated rice, prompting the Pakistani government to vow immediate action. The move comes as a major blow to Pakistan’s economy, which relies heavily on rice exports, particularly the fragrant Basmati variety, to earn foreign exchange.
According to official data, Pakistan’s total rice exports stood at $3.93 billion in the last fiscal year 2023-24, with Basmati rice contributing $877 million. In the first five months of the outgoing fiscal year, total rice exports were $1.515 billion, with Basmati accounting for $386 million.
However, inconsistent compliance with food safety regulations has emerged as a significant risk to Pakistan’s trade outlook. A trade analyst warned that the risks are incredibly high, stating that “this is not just about one shipment or even one export sector. It is about maintaining Pakistan’s position in the global market.”
The issue began to arise when a European Union member state blocked a shipment of organic Basmati rice from Pakistan over contamination with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are prohibited under European Union regulations. The shipment, bound for the Netherlands, was blocked on July 31, 2024, and was officially reported through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed on August 2, 2024.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is now under pressure to address delays in issuing phytosanitary certificates, a key requirement for agricultural exports. Authorities have warned that any failure to meet international food safety and phytosanitary standards could result in severe trade barriers or outright sanctions, which could threaten Pakistan’s economy.
