ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (ABC): Pakistan’s fruit export earnings have nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from Rs44.6 billion in 2015-16 to Rs86.0 billion in 2024-25.
Official trade data from the Ministry of Finance, available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that fruit export volumes stood at 677,000 tonnes in 2015-16. These shipments generated Rs44.6 billion in export receipts.
Early setback due to floods
In 2016-17, export volumes declined to 646,000 tonnes, down 4.6% year-on-year. Earnings also fell to Rs39.9 billion.
Above-average rainfall from March to September 2016 triggered flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The floods damaged orchards, standing crops, and rural infrastructure. As a result, fruit output declined during the period.
Strong recovery phase
Exports recovered in 2017-18. Volumes rose to 697,000 tonnes, while earnings improved to Rs43.8 billion.
The upward trend continued in 2018-19. Export volumes increased to 756,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, export value climbed to Rs56.3 billion, marking nearly 28% growth in earnings.
In 2019-20, shipments reached 798,000 tonnes. Export receipts also increased to Rs67.8 billion. This period marked two consecutive years of expansion in both quantity and value.
Peak year in 2020-21
A major surge occurred in 2020-21. Shipments jumped to 975,000 tonnes, the highest level recorded in the decade. Export value also rose to Rs76.8 billion.
Compared to 2015-16, export volumes during this peak year were higher by nearly 44%.
Volume decline but higher value
However, 2021-22 saw a sharp drop in shipments. Exports fell to 622,000 tonnes, down more than 36% from the previous year.
Despite lower volumes, export earnings increased to Rs84.4 billion. This trend indicates a significant rise in export value per tonne.
In 2022-23, volumes remained subdued at 629,000 tonnes. Export value declined to Rs68.8 billion. During 2022, the worst floods in decades inundated vast farmland and affected millions of acres of crops.
Record earnings in 2023-24
Exports rebounded strongly in 2023-24. Shipment volumes rose to 928,000 tonnes. More importantly, export earnings surged to a record Rs97.1 billion, the highest level in the 10-year period.
Compared to 2015-16, export earnings in 2023-24 more than doubled.
Latest year shows lower volumes
In 2024-25, export volumes declined sharply to 579,000 tonnes, the lowest level of the decade. However, export receipts remained strong at Rs86.0 billion, despite a 37% drop in quantity from the previous year.
Decade-long trend
Over the past 10 years, fruit export volumes fluctuated between 579,000 and 975,000 tonnes. In contrast, export value showed a consistent upward trajectory.
Overall, export earnings increased by nearly 93% during the decade. The data suggests that while shipment volumes remained volatile, fruit export revenues strengthened substantially.