The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a tender to procure 100,000 tonnes of long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) for supply to Bangladesh, marking a significant development in bilateral trade. The tender, dated November 20 and revealed on Monday, invites sealed bids from companies, partnerships and sole proprietors for the export of break-bulk cargo through Karachi ports.
Bidders must submit price offers that remain valid for 21 working days by 11:30 am on November 28, with the rice required to be available for shipment within 45 days following the contract award.
According to the tender specifications, bids must cover a minimum of 25,000 tonnes and may go up to 100,000 tonnes, with a permissible variation of plus or minus 5 percent. The rice must be sourced from the latest crop of Pakistani origin and meet strict quality standards, including being free of mould, unpleasant odours, infestation, insects and poisonous weed seeds.
Traders have suggested that this move could signal Pakistan’s intention to expand its presence in Bangladesh’s import market, particularly as Dhaka continues to issue multiple tenders to stabilise domestic rice prices.
On the same day, Bangladesh floated another tender, reflecting its ongoing efforts to secure supplies in the wake of fluctuating local market conditions. Direct government-to-government trade between the two countries began in February, starting with Bangladesh’s import of 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan.
The tender comes amid a complex regional rice market landscape. Pakistan’s rice exports declined by 28 percent in the first quarter of FY26, raising concerns within the sector. Industry officials linked the drop to India’s resumption of rice exports and removal of key export restrictions.
However, Pakistan managed to retain its foothold in premium markets during the six months that followed. Additionally, the United States’ imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian basmati rice in August opened new opportunities for Pakistani exporters, with the US accounting for 24 percent of Pakistan’s basmati exports between November 2023 and October 2024.
