Pakistan Sees Sharp Rise in Sugar Imports Amid Supply and Price Pressures, as the country faces supply shortages and rising costs. This Pakistan sugar imports increase highlights growing dependence on external markets, because domestic production struggles to meet demand.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, imports surged dramatically during the current fiscal year. Reports show a 7,906.15% surge in sugar imports, reaching about $17.46 million compared with last year. January alone recorded imports worth $23.4 million, showing a strong month-on-month import increase across markets.
Experts say national sugar demand in Pakistan continues rising, but local mills cannot stabilize supply consistently. Government sugar procurement challenges also worsen the sugar price crisis in Pakistan, so authorities rely on imports. Rising imported sugar supply in Pakistan helps short-term availability, but it increases the overall consumers’ cost burden.
Broader commodity imports in Pakistan in 2026 also rose, including palm oil and tea imports in Pakistan, affecting the trade balance. Economists warn that food import growth in Pakistan may widen the trade deficit in the food sector further. Authorities in Islamabad are reviewing fiscal year import trends in Pakistan to control inflation pressures.
Meanwhile, a corruption case involving the Trading Corporation of Pakistan raised concerns about governance and stock management. Investigation by the National Accountability Bureau under the National Accountability Ordinance examines alleged irregularities in sugar handling. The case reached the Public Accounts Committee and the Accountability Court for further proceedings. The complaint was initially filed by the Ministry of Commerce regarding stock mismanagement.
Analysts believe transparent policy reforms can reduce import dependency in the food sector and improve economic stability in Pakistan. Strengthening domestic production and supply chains may help control prices and ensure long-term sustainability. Consumers in Karachi and other cities continue facing high retail sugar rates due to shortages.
