Russia Lifts Potato Import Ban on Punjab, Opening Market for 101 Pakistani Exporters
Russia has officially lifted restrictions on potato imports from Pakistan’s Punjab province, allowing 101 exporters to resume shipments effective July 7, following a thorough review of Pakistan’s phytosanitary control system. The decision, communicated to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, grants market access subject to guarantees from Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection. However, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has excluded two exporters from the approved list, citing violations of phytosanitary quarantine requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union during previous 2025 shipments. Prior to this expansion, Russia had already permitted three Pakistani exporters—Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and National Fruit—to supply potatoes starting April 8. Pakistan’s trade mission has now requested the Ministry of Food Security to ensure full implementation of the decision.
The resumption of exports comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s potato sector, which is experiencing a bumper harvest of approximately 12 million metric tonnes, with an estimated 4 million tonnes available as surplus for export markets. The new Russian market access will help absorb these excess stocks, stabilize domestic prices, support farming communities, and generate valuable foreign exchange earnings. Pakistan had proactively engaged with Russian authorities since February, submitting pest status records and laboratory reports confirming the absence of Potato Tuber Moth and Tomato Wilt virus—the issues that originally triggered the May 2025 ban. Additionally, following the closure of the Torkham border, Pakistan is exploring alternative export routes to Central Asian states through China and Iran. Virtual B2B meetings organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and PHDEC are already underway to help exporters capitalize on this emerging opportunity.
