ISLAMABAD, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's food exports fell sharply in February 2026, declining 27.5 percent year-on-year and 35 percent month-on-month, official data showed Tuesday.

Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed that food exports stood at 405.9 million U.S. dollars in February, down from 560.1 million dollars in the same month last year and 624.4 million dollars in January.

Rice, the country's main food export, dropped 35.3 percent year-on-year to 186.7 million dollars, while plunging about 49 percent from January. Basmati rice exports fell 19.1 percent year-on-year and over 64 percent month on month to 71.4 million dollars, while other rice varieties declined more than 42 percent annually to 115.3 million dollars.

Fish and fish preparations recorded growth, rising nearly 13 percent year-on-year to 35.4 million dollars, but remained largely unchanged from January.

Fruit exports edged up 1.2 percent year-on-year to 26.9 million dollars, though they fell sharply by nearly 32 percent compared to the previous month.

Vegetable exports saw a steep decline, dropping over 75 percent year-on-year to 15.1 million dollars and falling 36 percent from January.

Tobacco exports plunged nearly 70 percent year-on-year and about 49 percent month-on-month to 6.8 million dollars.

Among other categories, spices rose about 24 percent year-on-year to 7.3 million dollars, while oil seeds, nuts and kernels increased over 40 percent annually to 26 million dollars, also posting strong monthly growth.

Meat and meat preparations showed steady performance, increasing 22.1 percent year-on-year and about 4.7 percent month on month to 53.9 million dollars.

No exports of wheat or sugar were recorded during the month.

All other food items generated 47.8 million dollars, down more than 20 percent compared to the same period last year and nearly 28 percent from January, according to the data. ■