After the Russians slapped a ban on fruit and vegetable imports from western countries, Pakistan stepped in, into an increasingly lucrative market as 41% of its oranges exports have been to Russia during the current season.
Pakistan has exported 0.24 million tons – 80% of the 0.3-million-ton export target for oranges (kinnows) this year – since December 2014, the month when shipments formally started.
Of the 0.24 million tons, 0.1 million tons, that is 41% of exports, were sent to Russia where the succulent citrus fruit had better demand in the wake of restrictions on the import of various commodities from European countries, said All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Research and Development Chairman Waheed Ahmed.
The cheaper price of the fruit was another reason for enhanced exports to Moscow this year.
He said that Pakistan was likely to meet the export target of 0.3 million tons and earn $200 million during the season. The expected export of 60,000 to 70,000 tons during the next 30 to 40 days will help in meeting the target.
He also appreciated the coordination and support of the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Federal Board of Revenue and customs authorities in reaching the export target this year.
With Russia on the top, the Middle East, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, eastern Europe, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Canada, Mauritius and Malaysia are prominent buyers of Pakistani oranges during the current fiscal year.
Last year, Pakistan made record earnings on mango exports to the EU due to the trade bloc’s ban on imports of Indian fruit – the main mango exporter and competitor of Pakistan.
