Pakistan Increases Import of GMO Soybeans and Canola to Record Levels in 2025/26 Marketing Year
Pakistan has decided to significantly expand its import of genetically modified (GMO) soybeans and canola in the 2025/26 marketing year to meet high processing demand and compensate for insufficient domestic production of these crops.
This is reported by AgroReview
New Permits for Importing GMO Crops
The National Biosecurity Committee of Pakistan has officially allowed the supply of GMO canola for food, feed, and production purposes, while the Environmental Protection Agency has extended the licenses for importing GMO soybeans for another year. These decisions pave the way for record import volumes and support the country’s agricultural sector.
“Pakistan has approved the import of genetically modified (GMO) soybeans and canola for the 2025/26 marketing year to meet domestic processing demand due to limited domestic production, reports the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”
Major Suppliers and Production Forecast
Soybean imports are expected to reach 2.4 million tons in the 2025/26 marketing year, surpassing last year’s figure of 1.97 million tons. Despite government programs supporting domestic soybean cultivation, the domestic harvest of this crop is expected to be only around 1,000 tons due to low levels of commercial production.
Brazil remains the main exporter of soybeans to Pakistan, supplying 1.48 million tons in 2024-25. This is followed by the United States (294,000 tons) and Ukraine (256,000 tons). Soybean meal production in the 2025/26 marketing year is forecasted at 1.85 million tons, which is 31% higher than the previous season. This increase is linked to stable soybean supplies and rising demand from feed mills.
Canola production in Pakistan is expected to be 565,000 tons, which is 10% higher than last year’s figure, while imports of this crop are projected to rise to 650,000 tons. The forecasted production volume of canola meal is 673,000 tons, thanks to increases in both domestic harvest and GMO canola imports. The majority of canola is processed for the production of cooking oil and meal, which is used in dairy farming.
Over the past two years, 99% of canola and rapeseed has come to Pakistan from Australia. However, the approval for importing GMO canola may give Canada a chance to regain some market share in the 2025-26 season. Stable soybean supplies also support the development of poultry farming, which previously suffered due to a shortage of this crop.