Pakistan has begun importing wheat after a smaller harvest last season left the country short of grain. The state-run Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has agreed to buy 365,000 tonnes at $348.83 a tonne, worth about $127m. It has also issued a second tender for a further 185,000 tonnes. Importing is being carried out on the federal government's instructions, as provinces have asked for supplies to prevent shortages.
The government has reduced the total amount it plans to import. The first tender, issued on September 8th, sought 750,000 tonnes for delivery to Karachi or Gwadar. According to sources, provinces have since lowered their requirements, so the target has been cut to 550,000 tonnes. The second tender is intended to cover the remainder.
The first tender was opened on September 16th and attracted 13 bidders. Two declined to bid, two submitted non-compliant offers and nine submitted valid bids. Together, the valid bids offered 656,000 tonnes, less than the 750,000 tonnes sought, at prices ranging from $348.83 to $369.95 a tonne.
Agrocorp submitted the lowest bid, offering 55,000 tonnes at $348.83 a tonne. Olam submitted the highest, offering the same quantity at $369.95. The TCP accepted Agrocorp's bid and asked the other bidders to match its price for equivalent quantities.
Six of the remaining eight valid bidders agreed. As a result, the TCP has signed contracts with seven suppliers for a total of 365,000 tonnes.
Suppliers must ship the grain between October 11th and October 31st, and it must arrive in Pakistan by November 20th, 2026.
The second tender, issued under Rule 21(A) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004, seeks 185,000 tonnes of wheat from the latest harvest. Quantities may vary by 10% at the seller's option, and prices are quoted for bulk delivery to Karachi or Gwadar, including shipping costs. Bids for less than 60,000 tonnes will not be accepted.
Bids will be opened on September 28th. Technical bids will be opened at noon in the TCP's boardroom, and financial bids from qualifying suppliers will be opened later the same day.
If the second tender succeeds, Pakistan will complete its reduced import target of 550,000 tonnes. The smaller target suggests that provinces now expect less severe shortages, but the country still depends on imports to make up for last season's poor harvest.