Edible Oil Imports Surge in Pakistan, Food Group Exports Grow Slightly

Strategic Insights -

The imports of edible oil, including soya bean and palm oil, into Pakistan have witnessed a significant increase during the first three quarters of the current financial year. According to the data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country imported approximately 237,655 metric tons of soybean oil valued at $251.137 million from July to March 2024-25, marking a 116.37 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Concurrently, the country's imports of palm oil reached $2.572 billion, up from $2.084 billion in the same period last year, with a notable increase of 23.24 per cent in the import volume, reaching 2.489 million tons.

Key Takeaways:

  • Edible oil imports in Pakistan increased by 116.37 per cent and 23.42 per cent respectively for soybean and palm oil during the first three quarters of the current financial year compared to the last year.
  • Approximately 237,655 metric tons of soybean oil valued at $251.137 million were imported from July to March 2024-25.
  • Palm oil imports reached $2.572 billion, with an upsurge of 23.24 per cent in the import volume, amounting to 2.489 million tons.
  • The country's total food group imports decreased by 2.74 percent during the fist 09 months of the current financial year compared to the imports of the corresponding period of the last year.
  • Food group exports from Pakistan increased by 1.62 per cent during the first 09 months of the current financial year compared to the exports of the corresponding period of the last year.
  • The country exported food commodities worth $5.749 billion during the period from July to March 2024-25.

Statistics:

  • Inside the first 09 months of the current financial year, edible oil (soya bean and palm oil) imports in Pakistan have increased by 23.42% (116.37% for soybean oil)
  • The country imported 237,655 metric tons of soybean oil (up 116.37% ) and 2.489 million tons of palm oil (up 23.24%); worth $251.137 million and $2.572 billion respectively.
  • In the last 09 months of the current financial year, the edible oils import value has reached $2.632 billion.
  • Food group imports: $6.118 billion (down 2.74%); exports: $5.749 billion (up 1.62%)
  • Palm oil import volume growth rate during the last 09 months of the current financial year is 23.24%

Sources:

  • Pakistan Bureau of Statistics