TCP finalises deals for wheat import

Karachi: The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has finalized agreements for the import of 365,000 metric tons of wheat for domestic consumption and issued a second tender for an additional 185,000 metric tons to fulfill the country's wheat requirements. This second tender aims to complete the government's revised wheat import plan after provinces decreased their demand. With the extra quantity, TCP is poised to achieve its revised import target of 550,000 metric tons.

TCP imports wheat based on directives from the federal government, as Pakistan is facing a shortage due to lower crop yields in the previous season. Provinces have also requested wheat imports to ensure sufficient supplies and prevent regional shortages. The TCP initially issued a wheat import tender on September 8, 2026, for 750,000 metric tons, with deliveries to Karachi or Gwadar port. Twenty-four parties responded to the tender, with two bidders withdrawing, nine found responsive, and two non-responsive.

Out of the nine responsive bidders, the lowest bid of USD 348.83 per metric ton was submitted by Agrocorp for 55,000 metric tons. The highest bid came from M/s Olam, agreeing to supply 55,000 metric tons at USD 369.95 per metric ton. Following a thorough evaluation, TCP accepted the lowest bid and offered the same price to other bidders for equivalent quantities.

Seven bidders ultimately finalized deals with TCP for 365,000 metric tons of wheat to maintain adequate supplies and prevent potential shortages in the domestic market.

The successful bidders must ship the wheat between October 11 and October 31, with the commodity arriving in Pakistan by November 20, 2026. To meet provinces' demand, TCP has also issued a second wheat import tender for 185,000 metric tons. TCP, in accordance with Rule-21(A) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004, invited sealed bids from international suppliers for importing 185,000 metric tons of wheat, with a +/- 10 percent MOLSO on CFR in bulk Karachi or Gwadar basis of the latest crop year.

The second tender will be opened on September 28, 2026, and technical bids on the same day at 1200 hours in the TCP's Board Room. Financial bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened after technical evaluation on the same day. Provinces scaled back their wheat import requirements, leading TCP to import 550,000 metric tons instead of the initially planned 750,000 metric tons. With the second tender, the revised import target is expected to be completed.