Delays in India creates opportunities for Pakistani onion exporters
Aslam Pakhali, director of F.A. International
“We've had a healthy crop, both in terms of quality and quantity,” said Aslam Pakhali, director of F.A. International, an exporter of Pakistani onions. “Because of expanded growing areas and a favorable climate, we expect to ship about 15 percent more onions than we did last year.” F.A. International sources their onions from the Sindh province, which is one of the leading producers of onions in Pakistan. That, combined with easy access to the port city of Karachi, makes it easy for Pakhali to take advantage of the demand that's sure to emerge in the wake of a delayed Indian season.
“Indian onions are usually available in October, but this year they will be available in December,” said Pakhali. “Because that crop will be delayed, we'll have the market to ourselves for about 40 days.” From October 20 through the beginning of December, Pakhali estimates that Pakistani exporters could ship up to 80,000 tons of onions. F.A. International, which ships to Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Middle East, will be able to take advantage of that open market, and Pakhali expects prices to remain strong on the back of robust demand.
“This is similar to what happened in 2010,” explained Pakhali. “There were onion shortages in India, so even with big quantities from Pakistan, prices didn't go down because of the demand.”
For more information:
Aslam Pakhali
F.A. International
Tel: (+92-21) 32443200 or 32435289
Fax: (+92-21) 32439025
Email: pakhali@cyber.net.pk
www.fafruits.com