ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s wheat imports saw a complete reduction during the first four months of the current financial year, compared to the same period last year, as per data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
From July to October 2023-24, Pakistan spent $166.633 million to import 556,903 metric tons of wheat to meet domestic needs. However, no wheat imports were recorded in the corresponding period of the current financial year.
Mixed Trends in Agricultural Imports
- Pulses: Imports of pulses declined by 7.27%, with 430,177 metric tons worth $287.837 million imported, compared to 516,666 metric tons valued at $321.140 million during the same period last year.
- Fertilizers: Fertilizer imports surged by 121.36%, with 612,622 metric tons worth $374.876 million imported, a significant increase from 334,675 metric tons costing $169.262 million in the previous year.
- Medicinal Products: Imports of medicinal products rose by 18.59%, reaching $406.452 million for 12,441 metric tons, up from $342.730 million for 25,312 metric tons in the same period last year.
- Insecticides: Insecticide imports dropped by 31.49%, totaling 8,717 metric tons valued at $44.831 million, down from 13,226 metric tons costing $65.441 million in 2023.
- Agricultural Machinery: Imports of agricultural machinery increased sharply by 70.92%, with $39.616 million spent, compared to $23.178 million during the same period last year.
Related Developments
The government’s policy decisions, such as a ban on wheat imports and restrictions on flour exports, have likely influenced these trends.
