ISLAMABAD, May 04 (ABC): Pakistan’s potato exports held steady at around 248,000 tons during the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, indicating continued demand in key international markets despite changing trade conditions.
What is happening?
Official data shows that between July and January, Pakistan exported approximately 248,000 tons of potatoes, generating about $56 million in export earnings.
Telling to Wealth Pakistan The figures suggest stable export volumes compared to recent trends, reflecting consistent supply and demand during the period.
Which countries are importing?
The United Arab Emirates remained the largest buyer of Pakistani potatoes, followed by Sri Lanka. Afghanistan also continued to be an important regional market, importing over 29,000 tons during the six-month period.
Other Gulf countries, including Qatar and Oman, maintained steady demand. Smaller markets such as Somalia imported limited quantities, indicating gradual diversification of export destinations.
Why does it matter?
Potatoes are a key agricultural export for Pakistan, contributing to farm incomes and foreign exchange earnings. Stable export volumes help support growers and exporters, particularly during periods of high domestic production.
The sector’s performance is closely tied to access to international markets and the ability to meet phytosanitary (plant health) requirements set by importing countries.
What has changed recently?
One notable development is the reopening of the Russian market. Russia had previously imposed phytosanitary restrictions on Pakistani potato imports in May 2025.
These restrictions have now been lifted by Pakistan’s National Plant Protection Organization, allowing exports to resume. Initially, three Pakistani companies have been approved to export potatoes to Russia, with efforts underway to expand this number.
How does production affect exports?
Pakistan is experiencing a significant increase in potato production. Current output is estimated at around 12 million metric tonnes, compared to 8.7 million metric tonnes in the previous year.
This increase has created a surplus estimated at 4 to 4.5 million metric tonnes, which could support higher export volumes if market access continues to improve.
Historically, Pakistan exports between 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes of potatoes annually, suggesting room for growth if demand remains strong.
What happens next?
Export performance in the coming months will depend on several factors, including access to new markets, expansion of approved exporters, and the ability to manage surplus production.
Recent trends show a pattern of fluctuation, with strong exports in FY2022–23, a decline in FY2023–24, and recovery in FY2024–25. The current fiscal year appears to be continuing with stable volumes and a positive outlook linked to improved trade access.
