Pakistan potato exports hit 248,000 tons as production surges to 12 million metric tons
The phytosanitary clearance also signals stronger quality controls, potentially opening doors to other demanding markets.
PAKISTAN – Pakistan has exported approximately 248,000 tonnes of potatoes worth US$56 million from July to January of FY2025-26, driven by a sharp increase in production to 12 million metric tonnes from 8.7 million metric tonnes last year.
The United Arab Emirates remained the main destination, with Sri Lanka being the second, while Afghanistan, Qatar, and Oman provided stable demand.
For Middle Eastern buyers, Pakistan’s substantial potato surplus offers a reliable, competitively priced supply. The UAE serves as a regional redistribution hub, and increased Pakistani volumes could reduce import costs for Gulf foodservice operators and retailers.
On the other hand, a critical development has been the reopening of the Russian market. Russia cleared potato imports from Punjab after phytosanitary restrictions imposed in May 2025 were lifted.
As a result, three Pakistani companies have been approved to export potatoes from April 8, with around 40 more firms awaiting approval.
Khawar Nadeem, Manager, Agri Products, at the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company, confirmed that a surplus of 4 to 4.5 million metric tons is expected this season. Pakistan typically exports between 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes annually.
For investors, Russia’s reopening creates opportunities across cold storage, packaging, and logistics services tailored to the Russian trade corridor. The phytosanitary clearance also signals stronger quality controls, potentially opening doors to other demanding markets.
Emerging destinations in Africa, including Somalia, have imported limited volumes, indicating diversification beyond traditional buyers.
In addition, many African nations face potato supply gaps, and Pakistan’s counter-seasonal production window, from November to March, aligns well with African off-seasons.
Export performance recorded strong earnings in FY2022-23, followed by a decline in FY2023-24 and a recovery in FY2024-25, driven by higher volumes. The current fiscal year shows stable volumes, supported by market-access developments.
Therefore, through stable trade volumes and improved yields, Pakistan is positioning itself as a formidable global player in the fresh produce trade.
Finally, the combination of surplus production, the reopening of the Russian market, and emerging African demand signals a more robust and diversified supply chain originating in South Asia.
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