Pakistani traders cut kinnow export targets

Pakistani traders have set a kinnow export target for the current year at 325,000 tons, which is 50,…

Pakistani traders have set a kinnow export target for the current year at 325,000 tons, which is 50,000 tons less compared to last year, owing to low competitiveness, mounting cost of production, and lack of quality fruit.

“Due to high cost of citrus fruit production and a stiff competition from countries like Turkey, Morocco, and other big producers, Pakistan is struggling to claim its fair share in the global markets,” said Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief, All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), in a statement.

The export of kinnow is due to commence from December 1, 2018.

Thenews.com.pk further reported how Ahmed said the kinnow production was expected to be around 2.0 million tons; however due to limited availability of good export quality fruit, the target had been curtailed for this year. A record export volume of 375,000 tons was attained last year, fetching a foreign exchange of $200 million, while with the current export volume of 325,000 tons, the country is expected to earn around $180 million.