Pakistan’s mango exports plunge 66%

Pakistan’s mango exports plunge 66%

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s mango exports have dropped sharply, with shipments falling to 44,882 metric tons in 2026, compared with 132,587 tons in 2024, according to data from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP).

The figures show a 66% decline in two years, raising concerns among exporters and growers over shrinking international markets and inadequate government support.

Pakistan exported 116,011 tons of mangoes in 2025, but shipments declined significantly in 2026. Industry sources blame the situation on a lack of cold-chain facilities, certification support, market development and effective trade diplomacy.

Pakistan’s mangoes reached 77 countries in previous years, but exports in 2026 have so far gone to only 34 countries, indicating a loss of access to 43 markets.

Iran remained the largest buyer this year, importing around 20,336 tons, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 10,068 tons and Oman with 6,359 tons. The United Kingdom imported 3,439 tons, while Norway received 518 tons.

Several traditional markets have also recorded significant declines. Afghanistan, which imported 23,403 tons in 2025, has no recorded mango imports from Pakistan so far in 2026. Saudi Arabia’s imports fell from 2,386 tons last year to 710 tons this year.

Other destinations recorded relatively small shipments, including the United States at 248 tons, Canada at 227 tons, Sweden at 175 tons, Ireland at 126 tons and Malaysia at 104 tons.

Exporters say rising costs, weak market support and insufficient facilities are making it increasingly difficult for Pakistani mangoes to compete internationally. Growers have also reported weaker farm-gate prices and difficulties in selling their produce.

Industry representatives are calling for urgent measures, including support for air freight, improved compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, better cold-chain infrastructure and renewed efforts to restore access to lost markets.

DPP figures show that Pakistan exported a cumulative 540,831 metric tons of mangoes to 77 countries between 2022 and 2026, with the UAE and Iran among the biggest buyers.

Exporters have urged the government to act quickly to prevent further loss of international markets and protect the livelihoods of mango growers.