Pakistan likely to miss mango export target for second year

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan is likely to miss export target of mango largely for second consecutive year as the country has only exported 73000 tons out of the target of 0.15 million tons of the fruit so far.

Exporters of mango, who faced multiple issues, hampering the already limited exports, could only export the fruit worth only $27 million in two months which is only 50 percent of the targeted 66 percent exports.

According to Waheed Ahmed, Co-chairman, Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA), only 25000 tons of exports are estimated during the remaining season of mango which be closed by September, reducing the exports at around 0.1 million tons against the target.

Citing reasons of the decline in mango exports, he said that the logistic issues at shipping companies and Pakistan International Airlines were the major hindrances the exporters faced the most this year which remained unresolved despite repeated and timely complains.

Non-availability of pallets and containers and Off-loadings at PIA have also caused reduction in exports by 30 percent. PIA flights offload consignments at various airports without any justification which also results in cancellation of orders.

PIA being the only national carrier is expected to be well equipped to facilitate the exporters of fresh agro produce but it’s quite disappointing to share that the Airline does not have enough pallets and aircraft containers to handle the cargo leading to in-ordinate delays in promptly getting the cargo on board.

Besides, 100 percent examination of consignments at ports by ANF also not only caused delay in shipment but also affected the quality of exportable fruits badly resulting cancellation of import orders.

Shipping companies left already booked consignments at ports for several times while a shipping firm even left for Masqat carrying huge quantity of fruits booked for Dubai port.

Beside the logistic issues, Pakistani exports of fruit has also lost a lucrative market of neighboring country Iran, where at least 30000 tons of mango were being exported previously, as a result of trade embargo imposed by United Nations on Tehran. With the loss of this market, exporters have faced almost $ 10 million worth exports of mango during the ongoing season.

Besides, no export of mango to other potential markets of Japan and United States has been recorded this year in absence of VHT plant and radiation facilities. The country could not start commercial trade despite the already obtained market access of US, Japan, Jordan, Mauritius, and South Korea.