Russia clears 101 Pakistani potato exporters as import curbs end

LAHORE: Russia has lifted restrictions on potato imports from Pakistan's eastern province of Punjab, clearing 101 exporters to resume shipments starting July 7, following a review of Pakistan's phytosanitary control system, according to Pakistan's trade mission in Moscow.

The decision was formally communicated by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance to Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research, marking a significant reopening of a market that had been partially closed since May 2025.

Under the decision, Russia will allow potato imports from Punjab provided shipments are backed by phytosanitary guarantees issued by Pakistan's Department of Plant Protection.

The Russian authority said it approved the resumption of imports after reviewing Pakistan's list of potato exporters and their proposed export volumes.

Russia had already granted market access to three Pakistani exporters as of April 8, as part of a phased reopening. Those companies were Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and National Fruit.

Pakistan's trade mission has asked the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to ensure full implementation of the Russian decision and maintain compliance with Russian phytosanitary requirements.

Russia imposed restrictions on potato imports from Punjab in May 2025 after detecting what it said were risks related to Potato Tuber Moth and Tomato Wilt virus.

Pakistan subsequently engaged with Russian authorities, submitting pest surveillance records and laboratory diagnostic reports confirming the absence of the identified pests and pathogens in potato-producing areas.

The Russian regulator reviewed the documentation before deciding to ease the restrictions.

Export outlook

The reopening comes as Pakistan is harvesting a bumper potato crop, with production estimated at around 12 million tonnes this season. Officials estimate that approximately 4 million tonnes are available for export to Central Asia and other international markets.

To support exporters, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company also organized virtual business-to-business meetings to reconnect Pakistani suppliers with overseas buyers and expand exports following the restoration of market access.