ISLAMABAD, May 04 (ABC): Pakistan exported approximately 248,000 tons of potatoes during the July–January period of FY2025-26, maintaining a stable presence in international markets despite shifting trade conditions.
In value terms, exports stood at around $56 million, according to official data available with Wealth Pakistan, reflecting consistent demand and supply continuity during the period.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading destination, followed by Sri Lanka, while Afghanistan remained an important regional market. Exports to Afghanistan reached 29,411.90 tons in the first half of the fiscal year. The Gulf region — including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman — continued to register stable demand for Pakistani potatoes.
Among other markets, Sri Lanka emerged as an important buyer, though its imports fluctuated in line with domestic supply conditions. Smaller destinations such as Somalia also imported limited quantities, pointing to a gradual diversification of Pakistan’s export base.
A key positive development for the sector has been the reopening of the Russian market, Khawar Nadeem, Manager Agri Products, Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company said on Sunday. Pakistan achieved a significant gain in agricultural trade after Russia cleared potato imports from Punjab, providing access to a major overseas destination.
The National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) removed phytosanitary restrictions that had been in place since May 2025, enabling exporters to resume shipments.
Initially, Russia has allowed three Pakistani companies to export potatoes from April 8 in the first phase, Khawar said, adding efforts are underway to expand the number of approved exporters, with Pakistan actively pursuing permissions for additional companies. A list of around 40 firms has already been submitted to Russian authorities, and further engagement is planned to secure broader access, he said.
Khawar noted that the development came at a time of record production. “This year, the approximate production is around 12 million metric tonnes, compared to 8.7 million metric tonnes last year,” he said, adding that the country was expecting a surplus of 4 to 4.5 million metric tonnes. He told that Pakistan typically exported between 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes annually, highlighting the sector’s strong export potential.
Recent trends show that Pakistan’s potato exports have remained resilient, with strong earnings in FY2022-23, followed by a dip in FY2023-24 and a recovery in FY2024-25 driven by higher volumes. The current fiscal year appears to be continuing this pattern, with stable volumes and a positive outlook supported by improving market access, he told.
