Pakistan records 16% increase in mango exports

Exported 28,000 tons in first month of the season

KARACHI: Pakistan has recorded a 16% increase in mango exports in the first month of current season compared to the same period of last season, according to data released by the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA).

The country has exported 28,000 tons of mangoes in the ongoing season compared to 24,000 tons in the initial 30 days of last year’s season. The exports this season started from May 20, 2016.



“This export season coincided with Ramazan, which could be the primary reason behind the jump in exports,” said PFVA Chairman Waheed Ahmed.

Pakistan has exported mangoes to at least 47 countries including the European nations where over 2,700 tons have so far been shipped, up 93% compared to 1,400 tons in the previous season.

At least 2,000 tons were exported to the UK in the last 30 days compared to 900 tons during the same period last year.



Ahmed said efforts were being made by the exporters to improve the fruit quality, an exercise which proved to be rewarding as mangoes in international markets were being sold in the price range of $550-$600 per ton.

However, before the government’s ban on mango exports in wooden packaging, Pakistani mangoes were sold for only $250 per ton. Despite being affected by the restriction on unhealthy wooden crates, the mango exporters started fetching $450 per ton.

About 70% of Pakistani mangoes are exported to Dubai from where the fruit is supplied to other markets in Gulf countries. So far, about 14,600 tons have been exported to the UAE in this season.

For the first time, Pakistani mangoes are being sold in Dubai at a price equal to that of Indian mangoes. “Sometimes our mangoes receive even better price,” Ahmed said in a press release on Wednesday.



Earlier, an 8kg box of Pakistani mangoes was sold for 10 to 15 UAE dirhams. But now the price is on a par with Indian mangoes at 34-36 dirhams.

The PFVA chairman said despite a 20% decline in production due to rains and other climatic hazards in Punjab, the exporters, keeping in view the current pace of exports, were hopeful of meeting the target of 100,000 tons in the ongoing season.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2016.

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