Russia has lifted restrictions on potato imports from Punjab, allowing 101 Pakistani exporters to resume shipments from July 7 after reviewing Pakistan's phytosanitary control system, according to Pakistan's trade officer in Moscow.
The decision was officially communicated to Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research. However, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has barred two Pakistani exporters from shipping potatoes to Russia after finding that they failed to meet the required phytosanitary standards.
According to the trade officer, Russia informed Pakistani authorities that potato imports from Punjab would be allowed, subject to guarantees from Pakistan's Department of Plant Protection regarding compliance with required phytosanitary measures.
The Russian authority said the decision followed a review of the list of Pakistani potato exporters and their planned export volumes from Punjab. However, it excluded two exporters, alleging they had violated the phytosanitary quarantine requirements of Eurasian Economic Union member states while supplying potatoes to Russia in 2025.
The authority also noted that it had previously allowed three Pakistani exporters to resume potato shipments from April 8. According to the letter, those exporters are Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and National Fruit.
Pakistan's trade mission has requested the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to ensure implementation of the Russian decision.
Pakistan had raised the issue with Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance in February, submitting pest status records and laboratory reports confirming that the potato crop was free from the pests and diseases identified by Russian authorities.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) have also held virtual business-to-business meetings to help Pakistani exporters take full advantage of the opportunity.
Pakistan has also been exploring export routes to Central Asian countries through China and Iran following the closure of the Torkham border. Potato production reached around 12 million metric tons this season, with nearly 4 million metric tons available for export to Central Asia and other international markets.
Pakistan is currently witnessing a bumper potato harvest, with production estimated at about 12 million metric tons. The reopening of the Russian market is expected to help reduce surplus stocks, stabilize domestic potato prices, support farmers and increase foreign exchange earnings.
In May 2025, Russia imposed restrictions on potato imports from Punjab after alleging the presence of the Potato Tuber Moth and Tomato Wilt virus.
