Figures on this page were checked in September 2026. Sources are listed with each figure. Fiscal years in Pakistan run from July to June.
The short answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How big is it? | $2.29 billion in rice exports, FY2025-26 |
| Where is it made? | The Punjab rice belt (Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad) and Sindh |
| Is the US a buyer? | Non-basmati rice goes mainly to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Basmati goes to the Gulf, Europe, the UK and the US. |
| Do you buy our goods? | No. We are your US partner, not a distributor. You sell directly to US buyers. |
| Our commission | 2 percent of paid orders from buyers we introduce |
Pakistan's rice and food products exports: the numbers
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rice exports, fiscal year 2025-26 | $2.291 billion (4.29 million tons), down from $3.35 billion | Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |
| Basmati rice exports, fiscal year 2025-26 | $843 million (794,638 tons) | Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |
| Rice exports, July and August 2026 | $391.7 million, up 24.68 percent, with basmati up 53 percent | Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |
| US imports from Pakistan of cereals, mainly rice, 2025 | $50.2 million | UN Comtrade data, via Trading Economics |
What the numbers mean
Rice export earnings fell in 2025-26 as world prices dropped, but basmati held up and the new fiscal year started strongly. Basmati earns far more per ton than other rice, and the US values it.
Where it is made
Basmati grows in the Punjab rice belt around Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad and Sialkot district. Non-basmati rice comes mainly from Sindh. Mills and exporters are based in Lahore and Karachi.
Where it is sold
Non-basmati rice goes mainly to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Basmati goes to the Gulf, Europe, the UK and the US. Across all products, the US bought $5.76 billion of goods from Pakistan in 2025, more than any other country.
Products we help you sell
- Basmati and long grain rice
- Ready to cook meals and pastes
- Pickles, chutneys and sauces
- Snacks and sweets
- Flour and lentils
Who buys rice and food products in the US
- South Asian and Middle Eastern grocery distributors
- Restaurant suppliers
- Grocery chains' international aisles
- Online grocery stores
- Amazon and Shopify customers
Large US channels in this field
- South Asian and Middle Eastern grocery distributors
- Warehouse clubs and supermarkets with private label basmati
- Foodservice distributors that supply restaurants
- Online grocery sellers
We name these companies and events to show the kind of buyer in this field. It does not mean we have a relationship with them.
A business partner, not a distributor
Many Pakistani rice and food products makers sell through distributors and importers. That can be good business, and we can help you win distributors as buyers. But when a distributor stands between you and the market, your name rarely reaches the end buyer and much of the value stays abroad.
We work differently. We are your US office and sales team, working for you:
| A distributor | Pak Export Partners | |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns the goods | The distributor buys your goods and owns them | We never own your goods |
| Whose name the buyer sees | Often the distributor's brand, not yours | Your company and your brand |
| Who sets the resale price | The distributor, with its own markup | You set your price. We add no markup |
| How they earn | A margin on every unit they resell | A monthly fee plus commission only on paid orders |
| Who keeps the buyer list | The distributor | You. Every buyer contact is in your monthly report |
Because we do not buy your goods, we have no reason to push your price down. We win when you get paid.
US rules to know before you ship
- Your facility must be registered with the FDA, have a US agent, and send FDA prior notice before each shipment arrives. The US importer must also check you as a supplier under the FDA foreign supplier rules.
- Food labels must be in English with nutrition facts, ingredients, allergens and net weight in both metric and US units.
- Food facility registration must be renewed every even year, between October 1 and December 31.
- US pesticide residue limits are strict. Ship tested lots and keep lab reports.
We are not a licensed customs broker or regulatory consultant. For work that needs a license, we coordinate licensed US partners and include them in your plan. See our US labeling guide and customs guide.
How we help
- A US company, Chicago address and US phone, so buyers deal with an American business
- A website and catalog with US sizes, US prices and quote forms, built to be found on Google
- Cold outreach to US buyers in this product line, with samples shipped from Chicago
- Buyer checks before you ship on credit
- Retail sales through Amazon USA or your own Shopify store, where it fits
We work with rice and food products makers and exporters anywhere in Pakistan, especially in Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Karachi, Lahore.
Commission for this industry
On our US Sales Desk plans, commission for rice and food products is 2 percent of paid orders from buyers we introduce. You pay nothing on orders that are not paid, and nothing on your existing buyers. See all prices.
Common questions
Does rice from Pakistan need FDA registration?
Yes. The facility that mills or packs the rice must be registered with the FDA and have a US agent. Each shipment also needs FDA prior notice.
What rice sells best in the US?
Basmati sells well with South Asian and Middle Eastern shoppers and restaurants. Clear grain length, aging and packing details help you compete.
Do you buy rice and food products from us and resell them?
No. We are not a distributor. We never own your goods. You sell directly to US buyers, and we earn a monthly fee plus commission only on paid orders.
Can you help us sell to US distributors?
Yes. Distributors are often good buyers. We find them, present your products and follow up, and you keep the relationship and set your price.