Mango Exports: Pakistan’s fruit industry faces losses amid Middle East crisis

Falling demand, rising shipping costs and weaker domestic spending threaten Pakistan’s mango season.

Mango Exports from Pakistan are expected to decline sharply this year as conflict across the Middle East disrupts trade routes, weakens demand in key markets and drives up shipping costs.

In the orchards of Sindh, workers continue harvesting the country’s famous mango crop. However, exporters and growers say the season is proving far more difficult than usual.

Pakistan is the world’s fourth-largest mango exporter and typically earns around $110 million annually from international sales. Industry representatives now expect exports to fall significantly during the current season.

According to All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, exports could drop by around 30,000 tonnes compared with last year, reducing total shipments to about 80,000 tonnes.

Industry leaders say the Middle East conflict has disrupted several of Pakistan’s most important export destinations. These include Gulf countries, Iran and Afghanistan, which together account for the majority of Pakistan’s mango exports.

Waheed Ahmed, Chief Patron of the exporters’ association, said ongoing instability has created major obstacles for trade. Border closures with Afghanistan and disruptions linked to Iran have added to the challenges facing exporters.

The situation has also increased transportation costs. Exporters estimate that shipping a 25-tonne container of mangoes cost about $1,400 last year. This season, freight charges have risen to between $6,000 and $7,000 per container.

In Sindh’s mango-growing district of Tando Allahyar, orchard managers say many contractors are struggling to recover their investments. Some have reportedly abandoned lease agreements after suffering financial losses.

Domestic markets have also failed to offset declining export sales. Although mango prices have fallen compared with last year, many consumers remain cautious because of rising living costs.

Pakistan’s inflation rate increased following the regional conflict, placing additional pressure on household budgets. Traders say many families now prioritise essential goods over seasonal fruit purchases.

Market vendors in Karachi report that mangoes are selling at nearly half last year’s prices. Despite the lower cost, sales remain below expectations because consumers continue to face economic uncertainty.

Growers and exporters have welcomed recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions. However, industry representatives believe the measures came too late to significantly improve this year’s mango season.