Pakistan set to launch $100m mango-export drive on 25th

KARACHI: Pakistan is gearing up to kick off its mango export season on May 25, 2025, with an ambitious target of shipping 125,000 tons of the fruit overseas.

According to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA), if the target achieved, the move could generate an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange, offering a significant boost to the country’s agricultural exports. The export target for the current season is some 25 percent or 25,000 tons higher than last year. However, climate challenges may impact the overall supply of mangoes.

Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of PFVA informed that mango production in Pakistan is consistently declining due to climate change and water scarcity and there is a risk of up to 20 percent reduction in total mango production during this year as well.

He said Pakistan typically produces around 1.8 million tons of mangoes annually, with 70 percent of the crop grown in Punjab, 29 percent in Sindh, and 1 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “After the projected 20 percent decline, this season’s total production may come down to around 1.4 million tons,” he added.

Waheed 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 informed.

He 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.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025