Wedoany.com Report-May 10, In the first quarter of 2025, Pakistan’s corn exports fell by 87%, with only 53,000 tonnes shipped compared to 419,000 tonnes in 2024, according to official data. This sharp decline halted deliveries to multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Romania. The drop stems from increased domestic demand and challenges in meeting export standards, as reported by the USDA.

The surge in domestic corn demand is largely driven by a rebound in the poultry sector. A 2022 ban on GMO soybean imports had reduced corn demand by impacting poultry feed production, but its lifting in late 2024 revitalized the industry. Analysts note: “Domestic poultry production could surge by 25% due to the removal of the ban on GMO soybeans.” The USDA projects Pakistan’s corn consumption for 2025/26 at 9.1 million tonnes, surpassing the 2024/25 production estimate of 9 million tonnes. Poultry feed, which accounts for 65% of corn use, relies heavily on corn-soybean blends, and increased soybean availability has boosted corn demand.

Corn production is expected to reach 9.6 million tonnes in 2025/26, supported by a slight increase in cultivated area and stable yields, per USDA forecasts. Pakistan’s 300 feed mills, with a 12-million-tonne capacity, are fueling this demand, prioritizing domestic needs over exports. The USDA emphasized: “Exports may decline under the pressure of booming demand from the domestic feed industry.”

Export challenges also arise from updated sanitary regulations, which have made it harder for exporters to meet international standards. Industry insiders suggest that provincial food authorities and agriculture departments should enhance pest control, monitor pesticide residues, and improve post-harvest handling to address these issues. The Ministry of Commerce has urged the Department of Plant Protection and other agencies to tackle the export decline and support the grain market.

Pakistan’s grain market is undergoing a significant shift as domestic priorities take precedence. The revival of the poultry sector, driven by resumed GMO soybean imports, underscores the interconnectedness of feed crops in meeting rising food demand. Efforts to balance domestic consumption with export recovery will be critical for stabilizing the market in the coming months.