Government delays start of mango exports to June 1

ISLAMABAD: The commerce ministry has postponed the start of mango exports for the 2026 season to June 1, extending the export window after requests from stakeholders, according to an official order.

The ministry also directed the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) to coordinate with leading exporters to ensure compliance with regulatory and phytosanitary requirements and to improve value addition for European markets.

A copy of the commerce ministry’s order said the revised date had been approved on the request of stakeholders, while all other provisions under the Export Policy Order 2022 would remain unchanged.

Last year, mango exports began on May 25. For the current season, the government had initially been considering May 10 as the starting date.

Growers, especially from Sindh, had cautioned that prevailing weather conditions could affect the fruit’s maturity and flavour. They also warned that sending shipments too early could result in a loss of market share to India.

Reason for the extension

A senior commerce ministry official said an extended winter and recent climatic changes had affected the ripening cycle of Sindhri mangoes. He said this made it necessary to revise the export schedule so that the fruit could achieve the required physiological maturity and quality benchmarks before reaching international markets.

The official said stopping the export of immature fruit was important for safeguarding Pakistan’s standing as a supplier of quality mangoes. He warned that exporting underdeveloped produce could weaken buyer confidence and reduce the country’s share in overseas markets.

"We have to ensure consistent product quality, thereby fostering stronger customer loyalty and mitigating the risk of losing market share to international competitors," the official said.

Instructions for exporters

The commerce ministry advised exporters to use reefer containers and maintain an effective cold chain for both sea and air cargo so that fruit quality could be preserved on arrival in European destinations.

The latest decision reflects concerns raised by growers and exporters over quality control and market competitiveness as the new mango export season approaches. The ministry’s order keeps the broader export policy framework intact while shifting only the commencement date for shipments.

Pakistan’s mango exports are a significant part of the country’s horticulture trade, and the ministry’s latest move is aimed at ensuring that consignments entering foreign markets meet the expected standards. The role assigned to PHDEC in working with exporters on compliance and value addition indicates a focus on meeting market requirements, particularly in Europe, where regulatory and phytosanitary standards are closely monitored.

With the export date now set for June 1, exporters will be expected to align their preparations with the revised schedule and the ministry’s quality-related instructions.