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`Most of Pakistan’s citrus export crop is in full swing now, the season started with a surprisingly early maturity of the crop, 2 weeks in fact, which prompted processors and exporters to start their shipments from the middle of November rather the end of November. Yield is up by 20%, however 10% of the crop is damaged due to thrips and mites. Still, the rest of the crop is in good condition. Weather conditions are superb for Kinnow in the growing region of Sargodha, with no forecast of rain or high humidity in next few days. No other kind of disease has yet been reported`, explains Sadruddin, one of Pakistans leading exporters of Kinnow.

Market Situation:

Iran has stopped issuing import permits for all kind of citrus fruit from all countries which means exporters cannot ship Kinnows to Iran. However big volumes of shipments are to be seen going via land the route which is meant for transit to CIS. Only 2900 tons of Kinnow have been shipped to Iran on account of an import permit issued at the beginning of season. Surprisingly, since Iran is the biggest market of Kinnow, it did not effect the situation in the industry as its being compensated by other CIS destinations. The weather conditions are supporting transportation all the way to CIS from Pakistani border at Taftan in open trucks and thereafter refrigerated trucks in Iran.
Russia, showed promising attitude at the beginning of season, however Morocco struck with their Clementine and will continue to counter Kinnow till the end of Feb with their variety Nour. Positive volumes went to Russia on YoY basis. Pakistan is still competing with Morocco but as yet only small volumes arrived at St. Petersburg port and have not yet entered the market therefore the real situation will only be known in the next couple of weeks when Kinnow will be on Russian markets. There are many estimated volumes from different sources however none could be verified as many shipping lines entered this year namely Hamburg Sud,  MOL, Evergreen, MSC, CSAV and of course Maersk. Maersk used to be virtually the only carrier of Kinnow to Russia last year.

Eastern Europe

The Eastern Europe market is slower this year as the Turkish crop is still on the market. Demand of kinnow is expected to be better in Jan or Feb.
Far East
China has a big crop this year with many of the smaller sizes, therefore the South Asian and the Far Eastern market is seriously effected for Pakistani Kinnow.
Gulf
The Gulf market is reasonable for Pakistani Kinnow. Positive demands are being prompted from Saudia Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and other gulf regions. Pakistani kinnow has been popular in the Gulf for a long time since the beginning of exports in the early 80’s and hence taste is very well developed.
With the current situation, Pakistan is expected to complete its 200,000 ton export mark. The season is expected to run till Middle of March.