KARACHI: Pakistan’s fruit and vegetable exports are facing disruptions after shipping lines suspended operations to Middle Eastern ports and imposed war-related surcharges amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Exporters say shipments of potatoes, kinnow and other perishable goods have slowed or stopped as maritime routes to Gulf markets remain uncertain and freight costs rise.
Industry representatives said several global shipping companies have halted bookings for the Middle East following security concerns and attacks affecting regional ports, including the Port of Salalah.
In addition to the disruption of shipping routes, carriers have introduced emergency conflict surcharges of around $2,000 per container, significantly raising export costs.
Exporters said the additional charges and uncertainty over port operations have made it difficult to send agricultural products to key Gulf markets.
Shipping advisories issued by major carriers, including Maersk, CMA CGM, Wan Hai Lines and Hapag-Lloyd, confirmed the imposition of war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo destined for or transiting through Gulf ports from March 2, 2026.
The charges apply to cargo already in transit as well as new bookings, with additional fees ranging from about $2,000 for a standard container to up to $4,000 for refrigerated or specialised containers.
Exporters said the suspension of maritime services has halted shipments of potatoes and kinnow to Middle Eastern markets, which traditionally absorb a large share of Pakistan’s produce exports.
The situation is further complicated by the continued closure of the Pakistan–Afghanistan trade route. Afghanistan has historically been one of the largest markets for Pakistani potatoes, accounting for more than 40% of export volumes.
Pakistan authorities have recently allowed exports to Central Asian countries through land routes via Iran to bypass the Afghan corridor. However, exporters say the alternative route involves longer transit times and higher transportation costs.
Some exporters have already scaled back seasonal shipments. Traders dealing in fresh jujube (ber) exports to Iraq said they ended procurement earlier than planned due to disruptions in regional transport routes.
The fruit is typically transported through a combination of air and land routes via Iran, but security concerns and uncertainty about transit conditions have led exporters to suspend shipments.
Exporters said the combination of halted shipping routes, higher freight charges and restricted regional trade corridors has created uncertainty for agricultural exporters handling perishable goods.
Industry representatives said they are monitoring developments over the coming days, warning that prolonged disruptions could result in losses for exporters and further pressure on Pakistan’s agricultural trade.
