ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s food import bill soared to $3.075 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, marking a sharp 31.38 per cent increase from $2.340bn in the same period last year.
The surge highlights growing reliance on imported food commodities amid domestic production and supply challenges. The increase was primarily driven by higher imports of sugar, edible oil, and tea to meet domestic demand.
According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, palm oil constituted the largest share among imported food items, followed by pulses, tea, soya bean oil and sugar.
Pakistan imported 231,390 metric tonnes of sugar during the first four months of the current fiscal year (4MFY26), marking an unprecedented year-on-year increase of 15,748.63pc compared to just 1,460 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
In terms of value, sugar imports rose to $131.311 million, up from $1.454 million in 4MFY25 — a jump of 8,930pc, according to official data.
The dramatic rise comes in response to the government’s decision to allow sugar imports in a bid to address domestic shortages and market prices. Retail sugar prices have been fluctuating between Rs190 and Rs230 per kg in various cities, prompting authorities to step in and ease supply constraints through imports.
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