Pakistan imported more than 19,994 metric tons of tea in July 2025, marking a small increase of 0.27% compared to the same month last year, as per the latest figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The imported tea was worth $41.994 million, reflecting the steady rise in the nation’s consumption of this popular beverage.
The PBS report also revealed that the overall food group imports jumped sharply by 44.90%, reaching $743.87 million.
This shows a growing reliance on imported food items to meet local demand. Among the major contributors to this increase were imports of milk, dry fruits, spices, and pulses, all of which saw noticeable growth compared to last year.
On the other hand, food exports from Pakistan faced a decline. According to the report, exports fell by 10.25%, creating further pressure on the country’s trade balance.
While imports have surged to meet consumer needs, the fall in exports is a concerning sign for the economy. A growing trade gap means that Pakistan has to spend more foreign reserves to cover its import bills, while earning less from exports.
The rising trend in tea imports reflects Pakistan’s cultural attachment to the beverage, which remains one of the most consumed drinks across the country. However, the bigger picture shows an imbalance, as food imports are growing much faster than exports.
Experts believe that unless exports are boosted, the increasing dependence on imports may continue to challenge the country’s economic stability in the coming months.
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