Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s vegetable exports recorded a robust growth in value during FY2024, reaching US$430 million against US$300 million in FY2023, a 43.2 percent increase over the previous year, despite a 5.6 percent decline in export quantities to 1.26 million metric tons, reports Wealth Pakistan.

Export of vegetables remains a crucial component of Pakistan’s agricultural portfolio. During FY2024, the country exported a variety of fresh and processed vegetables, including onions, potatoes, brassica, tomatoes, carrots, and garlic, generating valuable foreign exchange earnings.

Pakistan’s key vegetable exports during FY2024

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ (PBS) data, potatoes constituted the largest share in export volume at 749,428 metric tons, earning US$139 million. Onions followed with 346,378 metric tons, contributing the highest export value of US$223 million. Brassica exports were recorded at 95,646 metric tons worth US$14 million, while tomatoes accounted for 35,532 metric tons with an export value of US$5 million.

Despite the decline in overall export quantities, higher international demand and competitive pricing helped Pakistan achieve a significant rise in export earnings. Lower production costs and improved market positioning in Asia and the Gulf strengthened the country’s performance. Processed vegetables, such as frozen and dried products, including peas and spinach, also contributed to growth, with rising demand from Southeast Asia and Europe, the Bureau said.

In terms of export market trends, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates remained among the largest buyers. Exports to Sri Lanka earned US$93 million, up 40 percent in value, though quantities dropped 18.4 percent to 248,031 metric tons. The United Aram Emirates imported 204,049 metric tons, with export earnings of US$90 million, reflecting a 52.4 percent increase in value despite a 13.5 percent fall in volume.

Vegetable export market during FY2024

Malaysia emerged as the fastest-growing market, where exports surged by 227.2 percent in value to US$69 million, while volumes nearly doubled with an 85.8 percent increase to 161,819 metric tons. Similarly, Qatar and Oman posted a remarkable growth, with values rising by 99.3 percent and 95.7 percent, respectively. Export volumes to these markets also expanded significantly, reflecting growing Gulf demand for Pakistani vegetables.

New markets also recorded promising results. Singapore registered a 245 percent jump in export value, while Kuwait reported a remarkable 264.8 percent increase. The Netherlands, though a small market, grew by 150.1 percent in value and 126.6 percent in quantity, reflecting Pakistan’s expanding footprint in Europe.

However, some markets faced setbacks. Exports to Afghanistan declined by 9.8 percent in value and 16.4 percent in volume. Traditional Western destinations showed weakness as well: the US saw a 17.1 percent fall in value and France registered a steep 46.6 percent decline. Russia also experienced a sharp drop of 82.5 percent in export value, coupled with a 79.8 percent fall in volume.

The diversification of export markets has emerged as a positive trend for Pakistan’s vegetable sector. With Asia and the Gulf driving demand, Pakistan has managed to offset declines in Afghanistan, Europe, and North America. This shift signals a reorientation of Pakistan’s agricultural trade toward emerging high-demand regions.

Pakistan’s continued growth in vegetable exports, despite lower quantities, reflects both resilience and competitiveness. With further investment in processing facilities, packaging, and value addition, the country is well-positioned to strengthen its share in the global vegetable market.

Credit: INP-WealthPk