Pakistani rice prices were steady over the past week, but dealers said prices could come down in coming weeks because of low exports and rising stocks.
"Domestic prices have fallen in the last few weeks, but steadies slightly as some growers held back supplies to support the market," said Abdul Majid, a Karachi-based dealer.
"But there have hardly been any fresh export orders, and prices are expected to ease to attract international buyers," he said.
Dealers said exporters were only shipping previously committed orders, and added that unsold domestic stocks were expected to rise further in the coming weeks, pushing the prices lower.
Pakistan expects a crop of more than five million tonnes against last year's 4.8 million.
Pakistan's crop year runs from April to November. Sowing normally starts in mid-April and harvesting begins in August, peaking in September. Annual domestic consumption is about 2.3 million tonnes.