Climate change and shipping costs affect Pakistan's exports

According to PBF (Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF), the increase in shipping costs recorded worldwide affects the exports of kinnows which recorded a drop in volume due to the adverse weather conditions.

 

During the 2020-21 season Pakistan exported a record 460,000 tonnes of kinnow, up 30% from the 353,000 tonnes exported the previous year. For this season, estimates put exports at only 300,000 tonnes, a decline of around 35% compared to the previous season.

 

This decline in the volume exported is largely explained by a drop in production, estimated at 40%, due to climate change. According to Pakistani professionals, the increase in shipping costs is also having an impact on kinnows exports, particularly to Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia and the Philippines. These countries represent 50% of total kinnows exports.

 

Pakistani exporters are looking to the government to speed up the opening of new markets, to demand the limitation of customs taxes demanded by some countries like Afghanistan and to provide them with subsidies to minimize their losses.

 

Regarding the opening of new markets, Iran has still not issued an export permit despite the decision to open its market. If the export permits are issued on time, Pakistan could export at least 60,000 tonnes of kinnow this year. In the past, Pakistan exported up to 125,000 tonnes of citrus fruits to Iran.

 

source : brecorder.com, dawn.com