Pakistan’s mango export season officially began on June 1 under mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, soaring freight costs, climate-related challenges, and declining crop yields, forcing exporters to slash this year’s export target by nearly 30%, or 30,000 tons.
The first shipment of Pakistani mangoes departed for international markets as exporters warned of one of the toughest seasons in recent years for the country’s prized fruit industry.
Exporters are facing unprecedented logistical and financial challenges as instability in the Middle East disrupts access to key Gulf markets, the largest destination for Pakistani mangoes, the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) said in a statement sent to Islamabad Scene.
“In view of the extraordinary challenges facing the trade, the export target has been reduced to 80,000 tons from last year’s 110,000 tons,” said PFVA’s Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed.
The sharp reduction is expected to significantly affect export earnings. Pakistan earned around $110 million from mango exports last season, but revenues this year are projected to decline to between $75 million and $80 million.
Gulf Crisis Drives Freight Costs Higher
The Gulf region, which accounts for nearly 35% of Pakistan’s mango exports, is expected to be among the hardest-hit markets amid escalating tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East.
Exporters say the regional crisis has caused a dramatic increase in transportation costs at a time when production expenses are already rising.
Sea freight charges to Gulf destinations have surged from $1,200-$1,400 per container last season to as much as $6,000-$7,000 this year. Air freight rates have also more than doubled, rising from 70-90 cents per kilogram to nearly $2 per kilogram.
The situation has been further aggravated by rising domestic fuel prices, increasing transportation costs from orchards to packing facilities and ports.
Ahmed also said the relatively stronger Pakistani rupee has created additional pressure on exporters, as rising operational costs are being coupled with lower export returns in local currency terms.
Climate Challenges Deepen Industry Concerns
Beyond trade disruptions, exporters warned that climate change and declining agricultural resilience are creating long-term risks for Pakistan’s mango industry.
According to Ahmed, erratic weather patterns, climate-related stress and weak disease resistance in existing orchards have steadily reduced production over the past five years.
This year’s mango crop is expected to be around 20% lower than Pakistan’s average annual production of 1.9 million tons, raising concerns over the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“Pakistan’s mango industry possesses enormous untapped potential, but realizing it will require coordinated efforts by farmers, exporters and policymakers to address the challenges threatening one of the country’s most valuable horticultural exports,” Ahmed said.
Concerns Over Regional Trade Routes
The PFVA also expressed concern over the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan, warning that exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian states could suffer as a result.
However, Ahmed said exports to Iran could increase if both countries improve coordination on quarantine procedures and harmonize regulatory requirements.
Despite the difficult environment, the association said it remains committed to maintaining Pakistan’s presence in both traditional and emerging export markets.
Ahmed also praised the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of National Food Security for resisting pressure to begin exports earlier than June 1.
By maintaining the official start date, he said, the government ensured that Pakistani mangoes would reach international markets fully matured, helping preserve the fruit’s renowned taste, aroma and quality.
Exporters Seek Government Support
The PFVA called for urgent government intervention to help exporters manage logistical disruptions and protect Pakistan’s global market share.
“To achieve the revised export target of 80,000 tons, robust support from the government and concerned officials is critical,” Ahmed said.
“With vessels delayed and shipping services severely disrupted due to the regional crisis, timely intervention in freight facilitation, port clearance and diplomatic engagement with Gulf buyers is urgently needed. Without coordinated efforts to resolve logistical bottlenecks, even the lowered target may remain out of reach, further denting Pakistan’s export earnings and global market share.”