By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s fresh mango exports rose from 118,121 metric tons in 2022 to a four-year high of 132,587 metric tons in 2024 before declining in 2025, while shipments during the ongoing 2026 season reached 44,882 metric tons by July 9.

According to official documents of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, mango exports increased to 129,230 metric tons in 2023 from 118,121 metric tons a year earlier and subsequently climbed to 132,587 metric tons in 2024.

Based on the official figures, exports grew by around 9.4% in 2023 and a further 2.6% in 2024. Shipments, however, declined by about 12.5% to 116,011 metric tons in 2025.

The ministry clarified that the 2026 figure of 44,882 metric tons represented mid-season data rather than the full-year export performance, as mango harvesting and overseas shipments were still underway, and the final volume was expected to increase upon completion of the export season.

However, lower fruit availability could constrain the season’s overall export potential. According to the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company, mango availability is 30% to 35% lower this year than normal levels. Climate change and temperature fluctuations were the major drivers, disrupting fruit set and causing premature fruit drop.

Country-wise data showed that the composition of Pakistan’s leading mango markets shifted during the five years. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the largest destination in 2022, receiving 39,596 metric tons, followed closely by Iran with 38,162 metric tons.

The UAE retained its leading position in 2023, as its imports of Pakistani mangoes increased to 47,523 metric tons. Iran received 30,016 metric tons, while shipments to Afghanistan more than doubled from 11,309 metric tons in 2022 to 26,369 metric tons in 2023.

Iran emerged as the largest market in 2024, importing 53,205 metric tons, while the UAE received 42,723 metric tons and Afghanistan accounted for 19,858 metric tons.

In 2025, the UAE again became the largest destination with imports of 35,783 metric tons, followed by Iran with 27,632 metric tons and Afghanistan with 23,403 metric tons. Oman received 10,261 metric tons, while shipments to Iraq reached 8,346 metric tons.

During the 2026 season up to July 9, Iran led with imports of 20,336 metric tons, followed by the UAE with 10,068 metric tons and Oman with 6,359 metric tons. Together, these three destinations accounted for 36,763 metric tons of the partial-season export total.

The United Kingdom received 3,439 metric tons during the period, while shipments to Germany stood at 836 metric tons. Saudi Arabia imported 710 metric tons, Norway 518 metric tons and Qatar 418 metric tons.

Other destinations included Japan with 251 metric tons, the United States with 248 metric tons, Canada with 227 metric tons, Sweden with 175 metric tons and Bahrain with 171 metric tons.

The documents said Pakistan continued to maintain a strong presence in the international mango market, exporting fresh mangoes to nearly 70 countries. The Middle East remained the principal destination, followed by Afghanistan.

The European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Canada and the United States were identified as important high-value markets, requiring compliance with specific phytosanitary import conditions.

To sustain and expand access to international markets, the Department of Plant Protection is pursuing Pest Risk Analyses, negotiating phytosanitary protocols and engaging with counterpart National Plant Protection Organizations to secure entry into new and emerging destinations.

The sector, however, continues to face challenges from climate variability, regional trade and logistics disruptions, the Middle East crisis and higher sea freight costs. The law-and-order situation in Balochistan, geopolitical developments, and the closure of international borders with Afghanistan have also affected traditional trade routes.

These pressures have increased transportation and insurance costs, caused congestion at transhipment ports, delayed export consignments and intermittently disrupted land-based shipments through Afghanistan.

Despite these constraints, the Department of Plant Protection continues to facilitate exports through phytosanitary inspections, timely issuance of certificates, monitoring of treatment facilities and coordination with relevant stakeholders, the documents said.

Future measures include expanding approvals for Hot Water Treatment, Vapor Heat Treatment and irradiation facilities, strengthening traceability systems, integrating with the IPPC e-Phyto Hub and registering orchards, treatment facilities and pack houses.

Credit: INP-WealthPk