Food imports in South Asia
South Asia: Food imports was 5.6% in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Food imports in South Asia, 1962–2024
Source: Comtrade database, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Statistics Division. Measured in % of merchandise imports.
Analysis
In 2024, food imports in South Asia stood at 5.6%.
That represents a change of up 6.0% on the previous year and up 15.3% over ten years.
Over the whole period, food imports in South Asia peaked at 34.8% in 1966 and was at its lowest, 4.4%, in 2008.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 24.2% | 16.5% | 34.8% | 8 |
| 1970s | 19.3% | 10.9% | 32.2% | 10 |
| 1980s | 9.8% | 5.5% | 12.7% | 9 |
| 1990s | 6.1% | 4.7% | 8.8% | 10 |
| 2000s | 5.8% | 4.4% | 7.3% | 10 |
| 2010s | 5.8% | 4.6% | 7.4% | 10 |
| 2020s | 5.7% | 5.3% | 6.3% | 5 |
More private sector data for South Asia
- Merchandise exports 510.58 billion current US$ (2025)
- Manufactures exports 67.0% (2024)
- Food exports 11.8% (2024)
- Merchandise imports 864.53 billion current US$ (2025)
- Manufactures imports 47.1% (2024)
- Merchandise trade 30.0% (2025)
- Commercial service exports 433.81 billion current US$ (2025)
- Transport services 20.4% (2025)
- Computer, communications and other services 59.1% (2025)
- Commercial service imports 223.58 billion current US$ (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is food imports in South Asia?
- Food imports in South Asia was 5.6% in 2024, according to Comtrade database, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Statistics Division.
- What is the highest food imports recorded in South Asia?
- The highest recorded value was 34.8% in 1966.
- What is the lowest food imports recorded in South Asia?
- The lowest recorded value was 4.4% in 2008.
- Is food imports rising or falling in South Asia?
- Over the last ten years it is up 15.3%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Asia data come from?
- The figures come from Comtrade database, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Statistics Division, published as part of Food imports (% of merchandise imports). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Food comprises the commodities in SITC (Rev. 3) sections 0 (food and live animals), 1 (beverages and tobacco), and 4 (animal and vegetable oils and fats) and division 22 (oil seeds, oil nuts, and oil kernels). This indicator is expressed as a percentage of merchandise imports which is comprised of goods whose economic ownership is changed between a non-resident and a resident and that are not included in the following specific categories: goods under merchanting, non-monetary gold, and parts of travel, construction, and government goods and services n.i.e.