Pakistan’s typical exports of mango have taken on a hit from the economic havoc of the coronavirus pandemic, as this year’s exporters expect a major decline in fruit exports.
Suspension of international flights, closure of borders, increasing freight tariffs and, above all, total contracting demands are likely to decline mango exports in the country this year by 35 to 40 percent.
This year the country is not expected to export more than 80,000 metric tons of mangoes according to Waheed Ahmed, a leading fruit exporter and president of the Pakistan Fruits Exporters Association.
“Pakistan had earned more than $90 million from mango exports alone, but this year, due to the current coronavirus conditions, it will not be more than $50 million,” Ahmed said. Ahmed ‘s views were shared by Mahmood Nawaz Shah, a Sindh grower, the second-largest mango growing province after Punjab.
“Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, mainly the closure of international flights, and a huge increase in freight rates, overall mango exports will be lower this year,” said Shah.
Extracted from City42 News
