Pakistan Seeks Emergency Wheat Imports Amid Domestic Shortage

Pakistan's wheat imports are on the rise as domestic production falls short of demand. According to SUPARCO, this season's crop is estimated at around 27.48 million tons, versus a target of 29.6 million tons. With annual consumption sitting at approximately 30 million tons, the country is facing a supply shortage.

The situation worsened due to delays in government purchases from local farmers. The federal government had an opportunity to buy wheat at lower prices during the spring and summer harvest period but disputes between the federal government and provincial administrations allowed a large share of grain to move into private hands, contributing to higher flour prices by September.

With the risk of a winter shortage increasing, the government approved emergency imports of 1 million tons of wheat. The state-run Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) initially planned to purchase 750 thousand tons but later reduced the target to 550 thousand tons after Punjab and Sindh revised their requirements. TCP also launched an additional tender for 185 thousand tons of wheat to cover remaining needs.