ISLAMABAD: The commerce ministry has extended the start of mango exports for the 2026 season to June 1 and asked the Pakistan Horticulture Develop­ment and Export Company (PHDEC) to work with leading exporters to meet regulatory and phytosanitary standards, as well as boost value addition for European markets.

An official order of the commerce ministry, a copy of which is available with Dawn, said the export date was extended at the request of stakeholders, adding that all other conditions would remain unchanged under the Export Policy Order 2022.

Last year, exports began on May 25, while the government had initially considered May 10 for the current season. Growers, particularly from Sindh, warned that weather conditions could affect fruit maturity and taste, and early shipments risked ceding market share to India.

A senior commerce ministry official said the extended winter and recent climatic shifts had altered the ripening cycle of Sindhri mangoes, making it necessary to adjust the export window to ensure the fruit met the required physiological maturity and quality standards before entering global markets.

He added that preventing the premature export of immature fruit was critical to protecting Pakistan’s reputation for quality mangoes, warning that dumping underdeveloped produce could erode customer confidence and cost the country market share to its competitors.

“We have to ensure consistent product quality, thereby fostering stronger customer loyalty and mitigating the risk of losing market share to international competitors,” the official continued.

The ministry advised exporters to use reefer containers and maintain an efficient cold chain for both sea and air shipments to preserve fruit quality upon arrival in European markets.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026