Lahore, October 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):Rice is among the five major crops of Pakistan and is the second main staple food, after wheat. The segment contributes about 3.5% in agriculture value addition and 0.7% in GDP. Pakistan cultivates both basmati and non-basmati rice, most of which is exported. In Pakistan, rice is grown in most of the Sindh and Punjab Province. Sindh specializes in producing the long grains white rice IRRI-6 and IRRI-9, while Punjab produces world-class Basmati rice. Pakistan locally consumes Basmati Rice, which is a long, thin aromatic type of rice, considered premium and luxury category across the globe. Local consumption includes ~95% of basmati rice and ~5% non-basmati. The major players in rice exports include Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pakistan is in direct competition with India, while Thailand and Vietnamese rice are considered premium.

Thailand’s ‘Jasmine’ rice has emerged lately as high-price premium rice. During FY21, the rice cropped area increased to ~3.33MH (FY20: ~3.03MH), reflecting an increase of ~10%. Consequently, the production of rice witnessed an increase of ~13% and stood at ~8.4MT (FY20: ~7.4MT). Out of this, around 3.5mln MT of rice is consumed locally. While ~3.7mln MT is exported (Closing stock: 1.2mln MT) to generate ~ PKR 325bln of export revenue. The maximum contribution is from non-basmati rice (72%) exports, as basmati rice is locally consumed and minimal quantity (28%) is exported. During FY21, rice exports deteriorated to ~USD 2,041mln (FY20: ~USD 2,175mln) owing to the Indian strategy of dumping the commodity in the international market at cheaper rates.

The ratings reflect the emergence of Reliance International Commodities (Pvt.) Ltd. (‘Reliance’ or ‘the Company’) as a growing rice exporter. In line with the overall industry and its changing trend, the Company has shifted its export sales mix from China to African countries in the recent past. Reliance has marked its presence in African regions through two distribution entities and is committed to increase its foreign footing. Presence in the local market remains indifferent. Profitability has improved during FY21, however, still indicates room for improvement. Coverages ratios dipped on the backdrop of higher finance costs in FY21 but still remain strong. The Company’s debt book solely comprises Export Refinancing Facility availed to fund its working capital needs.

The Company benefits from the demand for non-basmati rice from the African region. Additionally, a forecast of decelerated competition on the African side, particularly from Thailand and Vietnam, backs up a stable outlook for Irri/non-basmati export. On the flip side, as crisis in the European countries have heightened, the export demand for basmati rice brinks on a blurred outlook and is expected to absorb an impact in the days to come. The ratings are dependent upon sustenance of business volumes while improving margins, in turn, profitability. As global economy undergoes distress, business sustainability emerges as the key challenge for the exporters. Meanwhile, keeping up with a stable financial risk profile remains imperative for ratings.

For more information, contact:
Analyst,
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5869504-6
Fax: +92-42-5830425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Website: www.pacra.com