Sri Lanka has exported its inaugural shipment of fresh pineapples to Pakistan following the establishment of phytosanitary agreements between the two nations, marking a significant expansion of the island's agricultural export markets.
Sri Lanka has achieved a new milestone in its agricultural sector by dispatching its first commercial shipment of fresh pineapples to Pakistan. The initial 20-foot container, handled by C R Exports (Pvt) Ltd, departed on August 21 following years of technical coordination between the plant protection authorities of both countries. The export represents the culmination of phytosanitary negotiations that established the necessary regulatory frameworks for trade in fresh pineapples between the two South Asian nations.
Pakistan presents a significant commercial opportunity for Sri Lankan growers. With a population exceeding 252 million people, the country currently imports between 2,000 and 5,000 metric tons of pineapples annually, valued at approximately USD 10 million. Thailand and the Philippines currently dominate this market, though Sri Lankan officials believe their product's quality, freshness and proximity will enable competitive gains. The regulatory approval process included an inspection visit by a Pakistani entomology researcher, Mohammad Aqeed, who examined cultivation sites and packing facilities across Sri Lanka before authorities granted import clearance.
The export arrangement requires all pineapples to originate from farms certified under Good Agricultural Practices standards, with producers and exporters registered with Sri Lanka's Department of Agriculture. Pineapple product exports generated approximately USD 2 million for Sri Lanka in 2025, and officials view market diversification into Pakistan as essential for achieving 2030 export growth targets. Beyond pineapples, authorities are exploring the introduction of avocados and oranges to the Pakistani market, while the trade is expected to strengthen cooperation under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.
