Due to heavy frieght charges amid US-Iran tenstion, the Federal Ministry of Commerce has banned the export of mangoes before June 1 after amending the Export Policy Order 2022.
According to a letter issued to media outlets, the move comes after fruit and vegetable exporters warned that climate change, costly freight, Middle East tensions and weather conditions were creating serious risks for Pakistan’s mango exports this season. All other conditions of the mango export policy will remain in place. The ministry has also written to relevant institutions, including customs authorities, informing them about the latest change in the mango export policy.
Fruit and vegetable exporters had demanded that mango exports should not start before June 1. They warned that the situation in the Middle East, expensive freight charges and changing weather conditions could threaten Pakistan’s mango export season.
Exporters also said the mango crop was facing the impact of climate change, making quality control even more important this year. The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association said Pakistan’s mango crop is being affected by climate change.
According to the association, mangoes must remain on trees for a longer period to retain their traditional taste, sweetness and aroma. Exporters said starting shipments too early could result in low-quality fruit reaching international markets.
Waheed Ahmed, the patron-in-chief of PFVEA, said mango is the ambassador of Pakistan. He warned that exporting low-quality mangoes would affect the country’s reputation in global markets.
Ahmed said Pakistan must protect the quality of its mango exports instead of rushing shipments before the fruit is ready. Last year, Pakistan exported 110,000 tons of mangoes worth $90 million to markets around the world. This season, Pakistan is expected to produce around 2.5 million tons of mangoes, according to Waheed Ahmed.
However, exporters believe mango exports this year are likely to remain between 80,000 and 100,000 tons. Waheed Ahmed said the final announcement regarding Pakistan’s mango export target will be made on May 15. The target is expected to be finalized after reviewing crop conditions, weather impact, freight costs and international market challenges.
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