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While there is still considerable uncertainty regarding implementation, in January 2024 the government approved a system allowing for the resumption of genetically engineered commodity imports.

As of March 2023, Pakistani authorities still ban genetically engineered (GE) oilseed imports. While they have made some progress in developing a system to allow for GE oilseed imports, uncertainty regarding when that system will be operative clouds the outlook for oilseed imports.

Due to the recent ban on genetically engineered (GE) commodity imports, the 2022/23 soybean import forecast is reduced from 2.5 to 1.2 million tons. With the lower expected soybean imports, 2022/23 crush and soybean meal output is reduced accordingly.

Due to the poultry industry’s slow recovery and sluggish consumer demand for edible oils, no significant growth in oilseed and edible oil use is forecast for 2022/23. Likewise, soybean, canola, and palm oil imports in 2022/23 are forecast to remain similar to 2021/22 levels.

Only limited growth in soybean and vegetable oil imports is forecast for 2021/22. Rising prices and changes in taxation policies are hindering demand for meal from the poultry sector and capping growth in edible oil demand.

Pakistan’s Marketing Year (MY) (October/September) 2021/22 edible oil imports are anticipated to be a record 3.7 million metric tons (MMT), up five percent over the previous year to meet increased demand.

Pakistan’s Marketing Year (MY) October/September) 2019/20 soybean imports reached 1.7 million metric tons (MMT), 15 percent lower than the last year.

Edible oil and oilseeds are among the largest food and feed imports into Pakistan. Edible oil imports during 2020/21 are anticipated at a record 3.55 million metric tons (MMT), up five percent over...

Many Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States have undertaken efforts to comply with their obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) to the Convention on Biological Diversity....

Pakistan’s soybean imports during MY 2018/19 reached 2 million tons, eight percent lower than last year.

Pakistan’s purchases of imported soybeans are estimated to reach at 2.0 million metric tons (MMT) during marketing year (MY) 2018/19, 8 percent lower than last year.

In addition to edible oil, Pakistan is now a major importer of oilseeds. Marketing year (MY) 2018/19 imports of oilseeds are estimated to exceed edible oil imports....