Rice Combine Harvester Imports into Pakistan: Volume, Origins, and Duty
Quick Answer
Pakistan imported 223 shipments of Kubota-class combine harvesters between April 2024 and March 2025, a 37 percent jump from the prior year. Japan supplied 57 percent, China 23 percent, and South Korea 11 percent. The machines fall under HS heading 8433 and qualify for the same duty treatment as other agricultural machinery.
| Shipment volume | 223 Kubota-class combine harvester shipments imported into Pakistan, April 2024 to March 2025 |
|---|---|
| Growth rate | 37 percent increase year-on-year in shipment volume |
| Top origin | Japan supplied 57 percent (127 shipments), China 23 percent (52 shipments), South Korea 11 percent (24 shipments) |
| HS classification | Combine harvesters fall under HS heading 8433 (harvesting or threshing machinery) |
| Distribution channel | Meskay & Femtee holds sole authorized Kubota agricultural machinery distribution rights in Pakistan |
Pakistan imported 223 shipments of Kubota-class rice combine harvesters between April 2024 and March 2025, up 37 percent on the prior year, with Japan, China, and South Korea supplying the overwhelming majority. If you are planning a harvester import for the coming paddy season, here is what the volume, origin, and classification picture looks like, and where the duty rules connect to what we have already covered for agricultural machinery generally.
How many rice combine harvesters does Pakistan import?
Trade-data aggregator Volza recorded 223 shipments of Kubota-class combine harvesters imported into Pakistan in the twelve months from April 2024 to March 2025, involving 68 exporters and 54 verified Pakistani buyers. That represents a 37 percent increase over the prior twelve-month period, according to Volza's Pakistan import data.
For context, the same period saw 1,148 Kubota combine harvester shipments globally, involving 84 importers and 114 exporters worldwide. Pakistan's growth rate outpaces much of that global picture, reflecting the ongoing push toward mechanized rice harvesting in Punjab and Sindh's paddy belts.
Where do Pakistan's combine harvesters come from?
Three countries account for the overwhelming majority of shipments. Japan leads with 57 percent of shipments (127 of 223), followed by China at 23 percent (52 shipments), and South Korea at 11 percent (24 shipments), per the same Volza dataset.
| Origin country | Share of shipments | Shipment count |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 57 percent | 127 |
| China | 23 percent | 52 |
| South Korea | 11 percent | 24 |
| Others | 9 percent | 20 |
This concentration is not unique to harvesters. Pakistan's broader agricultural machinery import base is similarly narrow: five countries (the United States, Japan, Italy, Germany, and China) supply more than 70 percent of all imported agricultural machinery and equipment, according to the U.S. Commercial Guide for Pakistan.
Who imports and distributes combine harvesters in Pakistan?
Meskay & Femtee Trading Company holds the sole authorized dealership for Kubota agricultural machinery in Pakistan, including combine harvesters. The company has supplied rice combine harvester machines across major rice-producing districts in Punjab as part of a Punjab government program to raise rice productivity through mechanization.
Working with an authorized distributor matters for combine harvesters specifically, because after-sales parts and service support are harder to source for grey-market or unauthorized imports of a brand this specialized. That said, direct imports by farming cooperatives, contractors, and independent agri-machinery traders also make up a meaningful share of the shipment volume Volza tracks, separate from the authorized distributor channel.
What HS code and duty treatment applies to a combine harvester?
Combine harvesters are classified under HS heading 8433, covering harvesting or threshing machinery generally. The precise 8-digit tariff line depends on the machine's feed type (full-feed versus half-feed, the Kubota-class machines referenced above being predominantly half-feed paddy harvesters) and configuration, so confirm the exact classification against the current FBR tariff before costing a shipment.
Agricultural machinery classified correctly under an exempt heading benefits from the customs duty, additional customs duty, and regulatory duty exemption introduced in Pakistan's 2026-27 federal budget. For the full breakdown of what is and is not covered, see our guide to the 2026-27 agricultural machinery duty exemption. Sales tax and withholding income tax may still apply depending on the item and the importer's filer status.
Should you import new or used?
Both routes are active in the market. New machines through an authorized distributor bring manufacturer warranty and parts support, which matters for a machine that runs hard through a short harvest window. Used combine harvesters can lower the entry cost significantly, but they fall under Pakistan's Import Policy Order conditions for used machinery, which can include import permits, PSQCA certification, and pre-shipment inspection depending on the category.
Before committing to a used unit abroad, confirm its importability under Pakistan's used machinery rules and verify the HS code alongside it. A harvester refused at port because a condition was missed is a far more expensive mistake than the price difference between new and used.
If you are building out a full paddy mechanization package rather than a single machine, harvesters usually sit at the end of the chain, after laser land leveling and mechanized transplanting.
Olympic Agencies has cleared agricultural machinery, including combine harvesters and other paddy-season equipment, at Karachi Port and Port Qasim since 1982. We verify HS codes, confirm duty exemption eligibility, and coordinate the full customs declaration through our customs clearing service. Send us your harvester's specification sheet and origin country on WhatsApp and we will handle the rest.
Importing a combine harvester for this Kharif or Rabi season? Confirm the HS code and duty treatment before the vessel sails.
WhatsApp us your shipment details →Frequently Asked Questions
How many combine harvesters does Pakistan import?+
Trade-data aggregator Volza recorded 223 shipments of Kubota-class combine harvesters imported into Pakistan between April 2024 and March 2025, a 37 percent increase over the prior twelve months. These shipments involved 68 exporters and 54 verified buyers in Pakistan.
Where do Pakistan's combine harvesters come from?+
Japan is the largest source, supplying 57 percent of shipments (127 of 223), followed by China at 23 percent (52 shipments) and South Korea at 11 percent (24 shipments). This matches the broader pattern in Pakistan's agricultural machinery imports, where a handful of countries dominate supply.
What HS code applies to a rice combine harvester?+
Combine harvesters are classified under HS heading 8433, which covers harvesting or threshing machinery. The exact 8-digit tariff line depends on the specific model and feed type (full-feed versus half-feed), so confirm the precise classification with your customs broker before shipment.
Should I import a new or used combine harvester?+
Both are possible, but used machines carry additional conditions under Pakistan's Import Policy Order, including potential import permits and inspection requirements. New machines from authorized distributors come with manufacturer support and simpler documentation. Compare both routes against your budget and the equipment's expected working life before deciding.
Olympic Agencies
Clearing agricultural cargo - seeds, fertilizers, and machinery - at Karachi Port and Port Qasim since 1982. Members of PIFFA and the Chamber of Commerce.
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