This year has seen a significant rise in mango exports from Pakistan, highlighting the increasing global demand and appeal of this tropical fruit. The surge is a testament to both enhanced production capabilities and growing international interest in high-quality mangoes.
According to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), as of June 30, 2024, Pakistan had shipped over 93,000 metric tonnes of mangoes, valued at approximately $61 million, since the start of the export season on May 20, 2024. A total of 4,484 containers were dispatched to countries including the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Afghanistan, and other Middle Eastern nations like Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
“These figures represent export data up to June 30. The total will be compiled at the end of the season in September,” a DPP official stated. The exports include shipments by sea, air, and land.
Referring to the DPP’s export statement, another official noted that Pakistan’s total mango export volume exceeded 129,000 metric tonnes in the previous season of 2023. This season, 18 hot water treatment plants have been approved in Karachi, with additional approvals in other parts of Sindh and Punjab.
Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers, and Merchants Association (PFVA), commented, “We still don’t have the complete data for this year’s exports as we receive it from the government.”
Iran was the top export destination with 1,745 containers worth about $19.5 million. The UAE followed closely, importing 1,396 containers valued at around $21.5 million. Kazakhstan received 700 containers worth approximately $7 million.
Additionally, Afghanistan imported 307 containers, or 10,074 metric tonnes, valued at just over $1.5 million.
Statistics from the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) indicate that last year’s export value was approximately $116 million. However, the quantity reported in PRAL data is 154,000 metric tonnes, which includes part of this year’s volume (data compiled from exports between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024).
Mango exports began on May 20, 2024, gaining momentum with significant shipments via the Torkham border.
Dr. Mubarak Ahmad, Consultant on Agro and Food at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and former Director General at DPP, noted that Pakistan boasts a robust mango crop this year, with quality favorable for export. According to DPP data compiled until June 30, 2024, the export volume has surpassed 93,000 metric tonnes and is expected to rise considerably by the end of the season.
“Exports from Punjab have just started last week. The export is likely to continue until September, so we expect further increases in both volume and value,” he said.
Regarding TDAP’s promotional activities, Dr. Ahmad stated that the organization has undertaken numerous initiatives to promote the fruit, including organizing events to attract foreign buyers. “We support exporters in participating in international fairs, arrange B2B meetings, facilitate the removal of trade barriers, and help open new markets.”
Ahmad also highlighted that TDAP recently hosted a trade exhibition attended by around 600 foreign buyers. Additionally, TDAP sends mangoes to top officials in 35 countries, organizes mango tasting events, and holds seminars/meetings for consultative sessions with stakeholders.
