ISLAMABAD: Food group imports into Pakistan saw a significant decline of 18.15% during the first two months of the current financial year compared to the same period last year.
From July to August 2024, the country imported various food commodities worth $1.066 billion, down from $1.303 billion in the previous year, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Notable decreases in imports included tea, which fell by 11.07% to $97.956 million from $110.155 million. Edible oil imports also declined significantly, with soybean oil down 52.20% to $22.241 million and palm oil down 10.23% to $495.874 million, compared to $552.404 million and $46.820 million, respectively, in the previous year.
Sugar imports decreased by 10.01%, totaling $0.710 million compared to $0.789 million last year.
Conversely, imports of dry fruits and nuts surged by 88.24%, reaching $13.378 million compared to $7.101 million during the same period last year. Additionally, spice imports increased by 59.05%, amounting to $39.384 million, up from $24.762 million.
It is noteworthy that food group exports from Pakistan rose by 42.39% in the first two months of the current financial year, totaling $1.011 billion compared to $710.651 million during the same period last year.
