International studies identified that the global mango market size was expected to grow from $60.52 billion in 2022 to $63.79 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 percent amid the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple states, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services and affecting many markets across the globe. The global mango market size is expected to reach $8.84 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 7.1 percent. It is said that the rapid growth in e-commerce supports the growth of the mango market.
No doubt among the people of Pakistan, mangoes hold great popularity and their export assists generate millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally, they serve as a cultural symbol and a diplomatic tool, aiding the Government of Pakistan in strengthening international connections. The Government of Pakistan can raise its mango exports by enhancing its quality. Mango is also consumed as tropical fruits, and various states are major producers and exporters of mangoes.
Our country has the potential to increase mango exports three-fold as at present only almost 5 percent of total production is exported. However, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the quality of mangoes and raise their market share globally. As per the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) statistics mango crop is facing adverse effects of climate change during the season therefore their production is probable to be reduced by 20 percent. The production capacity of mangoes in Pakistan is almost 1.8 million tons. Pakistan’s average annual production is approximately 1.88 million metric tons, but the previous year it was impacted by about 50 percent. It is also said that because of the long winter and delayed arrival of summer, mango production is falling, and the ability to fight diseases in mango orchards is also diminishing. It is also stated research institutes and provincial agriculture departments to offer resources and awareness to mango farmers to avert the negative impacts of climate change.
Statistics also identified that the target for mango export this season has been set at 125,000 metric tons, and if attained, the government of Pakistan will earn foreign exchange of $100 million. A total of 70 percent of mangoes in our country, are produced in Punjab, while Sindh accounts for 29 percent of total mango production, and KPK has a 1.0 percent share. It is also identified that 50 percent of mangoes are exported from Pakistan by sea, 35 percent by land, and 15 percent by air.
The experts recorded that the previous year was not good for mango exports because of the climate change that led to unprecedented monsoon rains and heavy floods. The situation brought down mango production by about 50 percent, making Pakistan export only 90,000 metric tons. Major buyers of Pakistani mangoes include Gulf countries, Iran, Central Asian states, and the UK. Other important markets include Europe, Canada, the USA, and Japan. A main challenge for mango exports is the rise in export costs due to reduced production, quality problems connected to climatic effects, and rising freight, packaging, and transport costs. Additionally, ongoing deteriorating law and order challenges in Pakistan, political unrest, and disruptions in delivery may also affect exports.
The experts identified that the UAE is one of the top export destinations of Pakistani mangoes, with exports worth millions of dollars during the 3-month season. This year, the season is slightly delayed because the heat was not so intense this year, but the crop is better. Furthermore, the mangoes should be priced moderately more competitively than the previous year.
The wholesale price presently for the first batch costs just over Dh30 per box, which weighs almost 6.0 kilograms. The supply will increase in the coming weeks and months. Though, prices will depend on the supply and demand of mangoes. But in the past, prices have gone down to Dh18-20 per box also in case of supply.
Statistics also showed that Pakistan’s mangoes account for only less than 0.36 percent of China’s total mango imports. In some major Chinese cities, most mangoes are imported from Southeast Asian states. Chinese people are expecting more delicious, high-quality fruits from their friendly neighbor country.
Presently Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) is planning to initiate Pakistan-China Trade Portal as Chinese people prefer online shopping. According to PCJCCI, Pakistani exporters could use this platform for mango exports. No doubt, China is a huge market for Pakistani mangoes and there is a dire need for joint efforts from China and Pakistan to glorify potential in this sector.
Although Pakistani mangoes were cheaper compared with mangoes in other states now the Chinese people pay more attention to quality than price. Therefore, it is suggested that the Government of Pakistan should diversify its varieties and produce high-quality mangoes. Furthermore, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is making attempts to enhance the export of quality mangoes to raise its share in the global high-end market. It has started mango bagging under a pilot project in two of Pakistan’s main mango-producing provinces, Sindh and Punjab. In order to sustain premium quality mangoes with an appealing aesthetic appearance, it ensures a uniform size, color and shape of the fruit.