Mango Exports Hit as Middle East Crisis Raises Shipping Costs

Pakistan’s mango export season is facing a sharp setback as exporters warn that sales could drop by at least 30 percent this year, with the lingering impact of the Middle East war disrupting demand, freight routes and costs. The pressure is being felt at a critical time for one of Pakistan’s most recognised agricultural exports.

The country normally earns around $110 million from international mango sales and is counted among the world’s leading exporters of the fruit. More than two dozen varieties are grown across Pakistan, with Sindh and Punjab serving as the main production centres during the summer season.

Exporters say the crisis has weakened purchasing power in key overseas markets while also making logistics significantly more expensive. Gulf countries, Iran and Afghanistan usually account for the bulk of Pakistan’s mango shipments, leaving the sector exposed when regional trade conditions become unstable.

Waheed Ahmed, a leading representative of Pakistan’s fruit and vegetable export sector, said nearly 80 percent of the country’s mango exports usually go to Gulf states, Iran and Afghanistan. He warned that the total volume could fall to around 80,000 tonnes this season, roughly 30,000 tonnes below last year’s level.

The rise in shipping costs has become one of the biggest obstacles for exporters. A 25-tonne container that previously cost around $1,400 to send abroad is now reportedly costing between $6,000 and $7,000, making Pakistani mangoes far less competitive in price-sensitive markets.

The pressure is not limited to exports. Domestic sales are also struggling because inflation has reduced household buying power, even though mango prices in local markets have fallen compared with last year. In Karachi, mangoes are being sold at around Rs200 per kilogram, but many buyers say they are still limiting purchases.

Pakistan’s mango economy supports growers, pickers, packers, transporters, cold-storage operators and exporters. Any major decline in shipments therefore affects not only foreign exchange earnings but also rural incomes, seasonal labour and small businesses connected to the fruit supply chain.

The setback comes after several years in which exporters had pushed to improve packaging, cold-chain handling and access to premium markets. However, recurring challenges such as climate stress, freight volatility, high input costs and regional instability continue to make the sector vulnerable despite strong global demand for Pakistani mangoes.

For Pakistan, the fall in mango exports highlights how external conflicts can quickly reach farms, markets and households. If freight routes remain expensive and demand in regional markets stays weak, exporters may need urgent support through logistics facilitation, market diversification and better access to air cargo and cold-chain services.

The coming weeks will determine whether the industry can recover part of the lost season through alternative destinations and stronger domestic sales. Exporters are watching regional conditions closely, hoping that stability in the Middle East and improved shipping availability can prevent a deeper decline in one of Pakistan’s most valuable fruit exports.