Pakistan sets target of 125,000 tons for mango exports this season

May 22, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan aims to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season, with shipments starting on May 25, 2025, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).

If the target is achieved, the country could earn an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange, the association said.

The export target for the current season is 25,000 tons higher than last year’s figure. However, climate challenges may impact the overall supply of mangoes.

According to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of PFVA, mango production in Pakistan is consistently declining due to climate change and water scarcity.

“There is a risk of up to 20% reduction in total mango production this year as well,” he warned.

He said Pakistan typically produces around 1.8m tons of mangoes annually, with 70% of the crop grown in Punjab, 29% in Sindh, and 1% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“After the projected 20% decline, this season’s total production may come down to around 1.4m tons,” he added.

Waheed Ahmed also said that efforts are underway to boost mango exports to non-traditional markets.

“In addition to our regular buyers, we are targeting Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Australia, while placing special focus on expanding in Turkey and China,” he said.

He further revealed that South Africa is expected to open its market for Pakistani mangoes this season.

“Quarantine experts from South Africa will visit Pakistan during the season, and we hope this will pave the way for mango exports to begin there,” he stated.

Outlining broader challenges, Waheed Ahmed said, “Climate change is a serious challenge for agriculture, and increasing water scarcity is affecting mango production”.

“There is a pressing need for provincial-level initiatives, including better water management, the development of climate-resilient mango varieties, research and development, and modernization of the entire agriculture sector, including horticulture”, he added.

He also pointed out the rising cost of exports amid regional tensions.

“Due to Pakistan-India tensions, shipping companies have imposed additional charges on Pakistani cargo, increasing export costs,” he said.

“We urge the Federal Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to intervene and eliminate these extra charges to help improve export competitiveness”, he noted.

Waheed Ahmed emphasized that achieving the mango export target will heavily depend on weather conditions in the coming months.

“Strong winds, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat could impact mango production,” he cautioned.

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