Pakistan’s Kinnow Exports Set to Decline Despite High Production Capacity
Despite Pakistan’s status as one of the world’s major citrus producers, kinnow exports for the 2025–2026 season are expected to reach only about 400,000 to 450,000 tons. This figure is noticeably lower than the potential capacity of 700,000 to 800,000 tons. Industry sources attribute this decline primarily to high transportation costs, trade route restrictions, and a lack of effective government support.
According to Pakistani media reports, last season’s kinnow exports were approximately 350,000 to 400,000 tons, predominantly shipped to markets such as Russia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and several Central Asian countries. Nevertheless, sector insiders maintain that export volumes remain well below the actual production potential.
Meanwhile, the kinnow market has experienced a sharp price drop this season. Media reports indicate that at the start of packaging for export to Dubai, prices for large kinnow were between 120 and 125 Pakistani rupees per kilogram, while smaller kinnow ranged from 90 to 95 rupees. By December 15, prices had fallen to around 75 rupees for large fruit and 35 to 40 rupees for smaller fruit.
Representatives from the kinnow industry say some factories have lost up to half of their daily capacity due to logistical challenges or reduced activity. They warn that this situation has not only reduced productivity but has also harmed the kinnow trees themselves.
At the same time, reports reveal that cold storage warehouses in the Sargodha region are 80 to 90 percent full, putting millions of dollars’ worth of kinnow at risk of spoilage. Producers have cautioned that if this crisis persists, it could result in significant financial losses and even negatively impact the cultivation and production of future crops such as wheat and sugarcane.
