Pakistani mango exporters project a 30% [1] decline in export volumes this season following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
This downturn threatens the livelihoods of farmers in Sindh and other southern provinces who rely on international markets for revenue. Because mangoes are highly perishable, the disruption of primary shipping routes creates an immediate financial crisis for the agricultural sector.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a surge in shipping costs, with refrigerated container wages doubling [1]. These record jumps in logistics expenses have made it difficult for exporters to maintain their previous pricing structures, leading many international buyers to cancel major contracts.
Exporters said the logistical bottlenecks are particularly severe for the current 2026 season. The inability to move goods through the traditional maritime corridor has forced a search for alternative routes, though these options often come with higher costs and longer transit times.
Farmers in the southern producing regions are now facing a surplus of fruit that cannot reach its intended destinations. The 30% [2] drop in shipments reflects the scale of the disruption across the Middle East trade corridor.
Industry representatives said the situation remains volatile as long as the strait remains closed. The impact is felt most acutely by small-scale farmers who lack the capital to absorb the doubled [1] cost of refrigerated shipping.
“Pakistani mango exporters project a 30% decline in export volumes this season.”
The situation highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan's agricultural economy to geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global trade, its closure does not only impact oil and gas but also disrupts the time-sensitive supply chain of perishable goods, potentially leading to long-term loss of market share for Pakistani produce.
