Pakistan’s mango exports are expected to drop by nearly 30% this season because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Exporters say shipments will fall to about 80,000 tonnes, down from around 110,000 tonnes last year.
Pakistan is the world’s fourth-largest mango exporter and normally earns about $110 million every year from this fruit. Almost 80% of these exports go to Gulf countries, Iran, and Afghanistan. The fighting in the region has reduced demand, disrupted trade routes, and made shipping much more expensive.
Shipping costs have risen sharply. Last year, sending a 25-tonne container cost around $1,400. Now, higher freight charges linked to problems in the Strait of Hormuz and increased energy prices are hurting exporters badly.
Waheed Ahmed, chief patron of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, said the conflict affected all major markets. A recent ceasefire between the US and Iran came too late to help this season, which lasts about three months.
Farmers also face challenges from climate change, such as extreme weather, water shortages, and lower production. At home, high inflation has reduced local demand as people spend less on fruits.
