Pakistan Faces Sharp Decline in Corn Exports Amid Rising Feed Demand and Regulatory Challenges

In the first quarter of 2025, Pakistan’s corn exports plummeted by 87%, totaling just 53,000 tonnes compared to 419,000 tonnes in 2024, when the country saw a record 185% export surge, particularly to Vietnam. According to the USDA, the decline is driven by soaring domestic feed demand and administrative hurdles, including changes in sanitary regulations that have made it harder for exporters to meet standards. Exports were halted to over a dozen countries, including China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Romania.

The ban on GMO soybean imports in October 2022 severely impacted the poultry industry, reducing corn demand, but its lifting in late 2024 revitalized the sector. Poultry production is expected to surge by 25%, boosting demand for corn, which accounts for 65% of poultry feed. The USDA projects domestic corn consumption in 2025/26 at 9.1 million tonnes, exceeding the 2024/25 production estimate of 9 million tonnes, while production is forecast to rise to 9.6 million tonnes in 2025/26.

To address the crisis, industry experts urge reforms, including involving local authorities in monitoring pesticides, ensuring pest-free production zones, and improving post-harvest handling. Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has raised concerns over the export decline and called on the Department of Plant Protection and other agencies to act. Without swift policy and regulatory changes, corn exports may face further declines.

Tags: corn, Pakistan