Bangladesh’s mango export sector is moving forward with ambitious growth targets this season, even as soaring air freight costs, cargo space shortages and limited access to mainstream international markets continue to challenge operations.
Exporters and officials believe that with stronger policy support and reduced transportation costs, Bangladeshi mangoes could secure a significantly larger share of the global fruit market.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension’s (DAE) Exportable Mango Production Project, Bangladesh exported 2,194 metric tonnes of mangoes in 2025, recovering from a sharp drop to 1,340 tonnes in 2024 caused by political unrest, and up from 1,757 tonnes in 2022. Exports peaked at around 3,100 tonnes in 2023.
Project Director Mohammad Arifur Rahman told TIMES of Bangladesh that formal export activities started this year on 15 May, slightly later than usual, and will continue until September. He said the main objective is to surpass last year’s performance, but high air freight charges and ongoing cargo space issues remain the biggest obstacles.
Exporters currently pay between Tk510 and Tk570 per kg to ship mangoes to Europe, nearly double the Tk350–Tk400 charged by competitors in India and Pakistan for the same routes. “If freight charges can be reduced to a reasonable level and adequate cargo facilities ensured, Bangladesh’s mango exports could increase many times over,” Arifur Rahman added.
Data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) show that mango exports worth nearly $89,000 were recorded under two HS codes during the July-April period of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Industry insiders, however, said that the main export season has only just begun and shipment volumes are expected to rise significantly after Eid-ul-Adha, the peak trading period for the fruit.
Currently, Bangladeshi mangoes are being exported to more than 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, mainly routed through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Among export-quality varieties, Amrapali remains the most sought-after in international markets, while Himsagar, Langra, Fazli and Bari-4 are also gaining popularity. Most export-grade mangoes are sourced from Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts. Around 105 to 110 registered exporters are currently active in the sector.
Owner of BD Trade Imran Hossen said his company aims to export around 150 tonnes of mangoes this season, with full-scale shipments beginning after Eid-ul-Adha. “The biggest challenge right now is freight cost. The air fare for exporting mangoes to the UK is now around Tk530 per kg. Due to the absence of direct booking facilities, exporters are forced to depend on freight forwarding agents and bear additional expenses,” he told TIMES.
Despite relatively high retail prices abroad, profit margins remain extremely thin because transportation costs consume a major portion of earnings. Last year, a two-kg box of mangoes sold for around £7 in the UK, but after accounting for packaging, transportation and other costs, exporters earned no more than Tk10 to Tk15 per kg. “Exporters cannot even come close to the profits earned by online sellers in the domestic market. Still, we continue exporting to maintain Bangladesh’s reputation and position in international markets,” Hossen said.
Industry stakeholders said Bangladeshi mangoes are still largely confined to expatriate Bangladeshi and ethnic markets abroad. To significantly increase exports, they say Bangladesh must enter mainstream supermarket chains and retail networks in Europe and the Middle East.
Exporters also pointed out that the government’s cash incentive for agricultural exports has been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent in recent years, and they are now demanding higher support to help the sector remain competitive.
To achieve these goals, exporters are emphasising international certifications such as Global GAP and welcome government initiatives like Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Vacuum Heat Treatment (VaHT) for the Chinese market, which they see as steps toward expanding export opportunities.
Meanwhile, the DAE is focusing on training farmers and improving quality control under the Exportable Mango Production Project. Farmers are being trained in modern cultivation methods, international quality standards and techniques to reduce post-harvest losses. Authorities are also working to strengthen direct communication between farmers and exporters to ensure fair prices for growers and faster export processing.
