ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP): Pakistan’s vegetable exports increased by 43.2 percent to $430 million in fiscal year 2024 as compared to the previous year.
The country exported a variety of fresh and processed vegetables, including onions, potatoes, brassica, tomatoes, carrots, and garlic, generating valuable foreign exchange earnings in FY2024, said the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data available with Wealth Pakistan.
The data revealed that, potatoes constituted the largest share in export volume at 749,428 metric tons, earning 139 million. Onions followed with 346,378 metric tons, contributing the highest export value of $223 million.
Brassica exports were recorded at 95,646 metric tons worth 14 million, while tomatoes accounted for 35,532 metric tons with an export value of $5 million.
The higher international demand and competitive pricing helped Pakistan achieve a significant rise in export earnings. Besides, lower production costs and improved market positioning in Asia and the Gulf strengthened Pakistan’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.
In terms of export market trends, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained among the largest buyers of Pakistani agri products.
Exports to Sri Lanka earned $93 million, up 40 percent in value. The United Arab Emirates imported 204,049 metric tons, with export earnings of $90 million, reflecting a 52.4 percent increase in value.
Malaysia emerged as the fastest-growing market, where exports surged by 227.2 percent in value to $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.
The diversification of export markets has emerged as a positive trend for Pakistan’s vegetable sector. This shift signals a reorientation of Pakistan’s agricultural trade toward emerging high-demand regions.
Pakistan’s continued growth in vegetable exports 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.