LAHORE: Trade activities between Pakistan and India have slowed down in March as compared to February and January because of various reasons, especially after detection of fungus in garlic.
Import of Indian tomatoes has already closed since end of November because of good local crop. Import of Indian fruits, especially Indian bananas is a major import this time in category of edibles and fruits.
According to officials of the Land Freight Unit Wagah, imports by Pakistan have fallen up to 50 percent in March due to start of the new season. Tomato and other vegetables has big share in Pakistani imports from India which has fallen because of local production.
Sources told Customs Today that Pakistani tomato crop has reached the local market which has decreased the demand of Indian tomatoes.
On the other hand issue that was raised by Customs Today after detection of fungus and fatal chemicals in garlic and ginger import fell down speedily and reached to almost zero.
Tomatoes imports was up to 60 trucks per day but now due to local crop it has reached to 5 to 10 trucks average per day. Import of other vegetables has also reduced in current month. Sources told that cotton is still largest import from India due to bad crop in Pakistan.
While on the other hand exports of Pakistani items has increased because of increased demand of Pakistan gypsum, cement and dry dates in Indian market.
