Pakistan’s Mango Exports Plunge Amid Afghanistan Border Closure

DID Press: Pakistan’s mango exports have fallen sharply this year, with the prolonged closure of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and climate-related disruptions emerging as the main factors behind the decline.

Afghanistan, with a population of around 46 million, has been one of Pakistan’s largest export markets for fruits and vegetables. Last year, Pakistan exported approximately 22,500 metric tons of mangoes to Afghanistan—more than 20% of its total mango exports. This year, however, mango exports to Afghanistan have fallen to zero due to the continued border closure.

At the same time, the conflict in Iran has disrupted maritime transport routes, reduced shipping availability and increased freight costs, affecting Pakistan’s mango exports to Gulf countries. As a result, shipments to the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan’s largest mango market, have declined significantly.

Although exports to Iran and Oman have increased—raising the possibility that the two countries are serving as re-export hubs for neighboring markets—this growth has not offset losses elsewhere.

According to official figures, Pakistan exported 42,343 metric tons of mangoes by 6 July 2026, compared with 55,684 metric tons during the same period last year.

Agricultural experts also attribute the decline to climate change, citing irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, heatwaves, shorter winters and severe storms that have caused extensive fruit loss during flowering and fruit development.