Pakistan is one of the largest mango producers in the world and produces around 1.8 million ton every year, 70% share of total mangos come from northern part of Pakistan whilst remaining 30% is from south Pakistan.
Mango season typically starts at the end of May and continues until September. June and July are the peak months for export and impact shipping the most. Pakistan’s major exporting countries are the Gulf, UK, CIS countries, and a small portion is also exported to US, Canada, Japan etc.
Almost 50% of the total exports are carried though sea, 15% by air and rest 35% by land mostly for CIS countries.
2024 season has just begun and usually the first week of the season goes very slow, as carriers hardly book few containers; however, this year its been noted that shipping lines have shipped over 200 containers to the gulf last week alone. According to a representative in several shipping lines, the booking expectations were exceeded as they had over 500 containers booking in hand only in first week of the season. It is extraordinary, as mango production was supposed to be lower by 20% this year due to climate change.
Carriers have already started refusing dry container bookings for the Gulf sector just to accommodate Mangos. Currently, it’s hard to get booking for dry containers as priority is given to mango shipments due to their extremely short shelf life.
The season is expected to peak in the coming weeks and will remain this way till mid-August. During this time, it is a big challenge to manage demand with supply and manage logistical challenges like port congestion, transportation, and even space on vessels.
Air freight is also impacted, and space is in high demand right now. It is expected that air freight rates will increase once mango season hits its peak as Qatar and Turkish airlines have already announced to start a freighter from 1st June to manage additional volumes in this peak season.
The ongoing Red Sea crisis is already challenging carriers in terms of rates and space, making it even more likely that this will be a particularly difficult year for mango exports.
On our part as a freight forwarder, we have been recommending customers to get dry and reefer bookings in advance to secure the space. Especially if it’s booked on non-contractual rates, and gate in dry containers in advance. Do not wait till last moment as it will only increase the rollover chances in case carriers start loading containers on first in first out (FIFO) basis. In terms of air freight, the rates have already skyrocketed, and proper advance bookings will help plan shipments in a better way.