Closure of Pakistan Border Likely to Increase Dry Fruit Import Costs

29-Apr-2025 11:03 AM

Mumbai. Dry fruit prices in India may see an upward trend during the upcoming festive season, as the closure of the Pakistan border is set to disrupt overland imports from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. This development is likely to affect the supply of key dry fruits such as dry apricots, almonds, black and green raisins, dry grapes, pistachios, and walnuts—especially those traditionally routed through Afghanistan.

While imports may continue through alternative channels, such as via Dubai, analysts warn that these routes could lead to higher costs and uncertain quality.

Afghanistan has long been a major supplier of dry fruits to India, exporting an average of 20,000 tonnes annually. With India's demand and consumption of dry fruits rising steadily, the current disruption poses significant challenges to both importers and exporters.

Increased logistical difficulties are expected to compel Indian importers to rely more heavily on indirect routes, raising freight charges and potentially delaying shipments.

Some dry fruits are already being imported via Dubai from other countries, including the United States, but should trade tensions between India and Pakistan escalate further, importing Afghan produce could become even more costly.

The closure of the Attari border crossing—a critical entry point for overland trade—has already stranded around 30 trucks loaded with Afghan goods, awaiting Pakistani clearance to cross into India.

While current domestic stocks are reportedly sufficient to meet demand during the Lagnasara wedding season beginning in May across North India, supply pressures are likely to intensify ahead of the Diwali and other major festivals later this year.

Market watchers believe prices could rise significantly if a stable import route is not re-established soon.