Pakistan has witnessed a downward trend in kinnow exports, which seems to be directly related to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. While the onset of COVID-19 is driving up demand for fresh and processed citrus products around the world, Pakistani citrus exporters are unable to capitalize on these market conditions. Pakistani citrus exporters say that a target of 3.5 million tons on kinnow fruit was set to export this winter season, however the restrictions on are and sea routes have resulted decline in exports. Markets where demand is still strong, like the Middle East and China, are becoming more expensive to supply.
Last week, advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razzak Dawood, said that the top officials of the commerce ministry are deliberating the decline of exports to 10 countries and chalking out strategies with trade attaché. According to bolnews.com, the data showed that Pakistan’s exports to 10 markets declined particularly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) fell by 22% from $607 million last fiscal year to this year’s $474 million. The country’s exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fell by 8.2% from $217.46 in 2019 to $199.73 in the same period.