Pakistan prepares for record Ssoybean and rapeseed imports following GM approval

Pakistan has approved imports of genetically modified (GM) soybeans and rapeseed for the 2025-26 marketing year to meet domestic crushing demand amid limited local production, according to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pakistan National Biosafety Committee authorized GM rapeseed imports for food, feed, and processing, while the Environmental Protection Agency renewed GM soybean import licenses for another year.

Soybean imports are expected to rise to 2.4 million tons in 2025-26, up from 1.97 million tons the previous year, despite domestic programs encouraging soybean cultivation. Local production is forecasted at only 1,000 tons, as large-scale commercial planting has yet to materialize.

Brazil remains Pakistan’s top soybean supplier, delivering 1.48 million tons in 2024-25, followed by the United States (294,000 tons) and Ukraine (256,000 tons). Soybean meal production for 2025-26 is projected at 1.85 million tons, a 31% increase over 2024-25, supported by stable soybean availability and strong feed mill demand.

Rapeseed production is forecasted at 565,000 tons, a 10% increase from the previous year, with imports expected to rise to 650,000 tons. Rapeseed meal production is projected at 673,000 tons due to higher domestic production and renewed access to GM rapeseed, which is primarily processed for edible oil and dairy feed.

Although Australia supplied 99% of Pakistan’s rapeseed/canola imports over the past two years, the GM authorization could allow Canada to regain significant market share in 2025-26. Stable imported soybean supplies are also expected to support the growth of Pakistan’s poultry sector, which had been affected by soybean shortages in previous years.

Tags: Pakistan, soybean, rapeseed, imports, GM