Russia Reopens Market to Pakistani Potatoes, Clearing 101 Exporters

Russia has lifted restrictions on potato imports from Pakistan, particularly from Punjab, allowing 101 Pakistani exporters to resume shipments to the Russian market.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) approved the reopening after reviewing Pakistan’s phytosanitary control system and assurances provided by the Department of Plant Protection. The decision took effect on July 7, 2026.

Under the decision, 101 Pakistani companies have been cleared to export potatoes to Russia, while two exporters remain barred over previous violations of quarantine requirements.

Russia had imposed restrictions in May 2025 over concerns about the potato tuber moth and tomato wilt virus. Pakistan subsequently challenged the restrictions and submitted pest-status records, laboratory reports and other technical evidence indicating the absence of the cited pests and pathogens.

An earlier limited relaxation in April allowed three Pakistani exporters, Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and National Fruit, to resume potato shipments to Russia.

The reopening of the Russian market is expected to provide relief to Pakistani potato growers and exporters, particularly in Punjab, which accounts for the bulk of the country’s potato production.

Pakistan harvested a bumper potato crop of around 12 million tonnes, leaving an estimated surplus of nearly 4 million tonnes for export. The restoration of access to the Russian market could help absorb part of the surplus while supporting farmers, cold-storage operators and exporters.

Pakistani authorities have urged exporters to maintain strict compliance with international phytosanitary standards to prevent the imposition of similar restrictions in the future.