ISLAMABAD, June 12 (ABC): Pakistan has expanded its China-compliant mango export infrastructure after the number of mango processing and Hot Water Treatment (HWT) facilities registered with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) increased from 25 to 32.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) Manager Agri Products Khawar Nadeem said China had approved seven additional Pakistani facilities.
The approvals allow the facilities to process, pack and export mangoes to the Chinese market. “The newly approved units are now eligible to pack and export mangoes to China,” he said.
Khawar added that the expansion would strengthen Pakistan’s export infrastructure and improve compliance with Chinese import requirements.
As part of its export promotion strategy, PHDEC has launched business-to-business (B2B) engagements in China. The initiative aims to connect Pakistani exporters with potential buyers.
Growing engagement with Chinese buyers
Khawar said the first B2B session took place on June 9. The event brought together 12 to 14 prospective Chinese buyers and Pakistani exporters.
“We invited potential buyers of Pakistani mangoes and facilitated direct matchmaking with exporters so that commercial exports can begin more effectively,” he said.
PHDEC is also working with the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) on an alternative transport corridor. The proposed route would move mango consignments through Sust, Tashkurgan and Kashgar before distribution to China’s interior markets.
According to Khawar, export diversification has become increasingly important after the closure of the Afghanistan border. Rising transportation costs have also affected traditional trade routes.
“To compensate for expected export losses this season, we are actively moving towards alternative markets,” he said. Pakistan has secured approval for four to five additional mango varieties for export to Japan. It is also pursuing market access for Vietnam and Cambodia.
Efforts to support exporters
PHDEC is conducting awareness campaigns on import regulations, Goods Declaration (GD) procedures and export requirements for Middle Eastern markets and Iran. The company aims to help exporters complete shipments smoothly during the current season.
Exports have already started from Sindh. Shipments from southern Punjab are expected shortly. Larger volumes from central Punjab will follow later this month.
Weather impacts production outlook
Khawar said adverse climatic conditions had significantly affected mango production.
As a result, PHDEC revised crop estimates downward by 20% to 30% compared with last year. Mango exports are now projected at around 80,000 tonnes this season. Last year’s exports reached nearly 110,000 tonnes.
Despite lower production, international demand for Pakistani mangoes remains strong. Premium varieties such as Sindhri, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol and White Chaunsa continue to attract buyers across the Gulf region, China, Europe and North America.
Pakistan typically exports around 110,000 tonnes of mangoes annually to nearly 50 countries. These exports generate between $75 million and $80 million in foreign exchange earnings.
Demand remains strong
Khawar noted that the industry’s performance this year will depend on how effectively exporters manage higher transportation costs while maintaining competitiveness in overseas markets.
He said exporters face challenges from higher freight costs, logistical disruptions and a smaller crop. However, international demand remains strong.
“The demand is there, but maintaining competitiveness in traditional export markets will be the key challenge this season,” he said.
