INTERACTIVE: India, Pakistan vie for basmati rice export dominance

India’s total rice output is nearly 15 times that of Pakistan, with steady growth anticipated, while Pakistan is expected to recover in Marketing Year (MY) 2025-26.

Over the past five years, India has consistently surpassed Pakistan in Basmati exports, focusing on markets like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan continue to be major purchasers of Pakistani Basmati.

The EU serves as a critical arena for the ongoing Geographical Indication (GI) dispute, being a premium market for Basmati exports. As this rivalry develops, the ongoing legal proceedings at various international forums, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) are becoming increasingly intriguing to observe.

Additionally, Pakistani Basmati prices are under increasing pressure from Indian exports, especially after India's re-entry into the rice market post the 2024 export ban lift, raising the stakes for both nations in the competitive global Basmati rice arena.