Pakistan's mango exports have faced a significant decline in 2026, primarily due to the ongoing Middle East conflict that has disrupted key trade routes and reduced demand from traditional buyers in the region. According to the Pakistan Mango Exporters Association, exports dropped by 20% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
The war, which began in October 2023, has led to higher shipping costs and insurance premiums, making it less profitable for exporters to send mangoes to markets in the Middle East, which typically account for 40% of Pakistan's mango exports. Growers in southern Punjab and Sindh provinces report that they are struggling to find buyers at fair prices.
In response, the Pakistani government has announced subsidies for air freight to alternative markets in Europe and China, but logistical challenges remain. The mango season, which runs from May to September, is crucial for the country's economy, with over 1.5 million tons produced annually.
