Imports of Pakistan Pine Nuts to the EU Significantly Decreased Due to Pesticide Residues in Their Kernels

Imports of Pakistan pine nuts to the EU have dramatically decreased in the past 2 years because the product could not meet the EU regulations on pesticide residues. Despite being a wild product growing in the foothills of the Himalayas, two toxic pesticides, DEET and Aflatoxine, have repeatedly been found in the kernels. Importers track the emergence of pesticides in this remote area to Chinese influence in the region, namely the Chinese initiative One Belt One Road for development. While German producers are still eager to buy the product, they have become overcautious and hesitant about MRL testing.