FBR Raises Customs Values of Imported Almonds Ahead of Winter
Imported almonds could become more expensive in Pakistan ahead of the winter season after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revised their customs values under a new valuation ruling.
The revised rates increase the customs value of shelled almonds by 27 percent, while soft-shell almonds have also seen a smaller increase. However, the customs value of hard-shell almonds has been reduced.
According to the new ruling, the customs value of shelled almonds has increased from $3 to $3.81 per kilogram. The value of soft-shell almonds has risen from $2.14 to $2.19 per kilogram.
In contrast, the customs value of hard-shell almonds has been lowered from $1.95 to $1.41 per kilogram.
These values are used to calculate import duties and taxes and do not directly determine retail prices. However, higher customs valuations could increase the overall import costs of certain almond varieties, potentially putting upward pressure on consumer prices.
FBR Revises Almond Import Valuations
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi issued Valuation Ruling No. 2111/2026 after reviewing import data, domestic market prices and international price trends.
The assessment also included a market survey and consultations with trade representatives during a meeting held on September 25.
The revised valuation aims to establish updated customs benchmarks for imported almonds based on the information gathered during the assessment process.
Higher Rates for Roasted and Salted Almonds
The new ruling also covers value-added almond products, including roasted and salted varieties.
According to the notification, these products will be assessed at customs values 15 percent higher than the applicable rates for the relevant almond categories.
The revised values apply to imports from all countries and are applicable across Pakistan, with an exception for specified imports cleared through land border stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Will Almond Prices Increase in Pakistan?
The increase in customs values could raise the import costs of shelled and soft-shell almonds, particularly as demand for dry fruits typically grows during the colder months.
However, the final retail price will also depend on factors such as the actual import cost, exchange rates, transportation expenses, wholesale margins and local market demand.
The reduction in the customs value of hard-shell almonds may ease the tax assessment for that category, although its effect on shop prices will depend on wider market conditions.
Consumers and traders will be watching how the revised valuations affect dry-fruit prices as Pakistan approaches the winter season.
