Russia has officially lifted its ban on potato imports from Pakistan, effective April 8, ending phytosanitary restrictions that had been in place since May 2025. The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) imposed the original ban citing concerns over the potato tuber moth and tomato wilt virus. In February, the Pakistani government raised the issue with Russian authorities, submitting pest status records and laboratory diagnostic reports confirming the absence of these pests and pathogens in their potato crop. Three Pakistani exporters have been initially approved for shipments: Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grinding & Waxing Plant, and National Fruit. Pakistan’s trade attaché in Moscow, Shabana Aziz, noted that additional companies will be registered in the near future upon meeting Russian requirements, with virtual B2B meetings being arranged to help exporters seize this opportunity.
The reopening of the Russian market comes at an opportune time, as Pakistan is currently experiencing a bumper potato crop estimated at around 12 million tonnes. This new export channel will help absorb surplus stocks, stabilize domestic potato prices, support farming communities, and generate valuable foreign exchange earnings. The withdrawal of restrictions represents a major achievement for Pakistani potato farmers and reflects coordinated efforts by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Department of Plant Protection, TDAP, PHDEC, and Pakistan’s Trade Mission in Moscow. The breakthrough also demonstrates the government’s commitment to diversifying agricultural export markets and strengthening bilateral trade relations with the Russian Federation.
