Bangladesh sees China as new mango export frontier

Infographic: TBS

Despite ranking among the world's top ten mango producers, Bangladesh remains a minor player in the global mango trade – a gap exporters largely attribute to high air freight costs. These costs, nearly double those paid by competitors, have steadily priced Bangladesh out of key markets in Europe and the Middle East.

However, recent bilateral discussions on mango exports to China have reignited optimism among Bangladeshi exporters, with experts suggesting that, if quality standards are met, China could emerge as a major market thanks to its significantly lower freight costs.

Exporters say high freight rates – Tk350–380 per kg for Europe and Tk200–220 for the Middle East – are deterring foreign buyers, even when quality fruit is available.

Freight to China, by contrast, ranges between Tk70–85 per kg, offering a more affordable route.

Mohammad Arifur Rahman, project director of the Exportable Mango Production Project, believes Bangladesh is "more than ready" for China.

"Our mangoes offer superior taste and quality. We already export to over 30 countries, and feedback from Chinese inspection teams has been very positive," he said.

Rahman also said China Southern Airlines has expressed interest in offering dedicated mango cargo space, and that Bangladesh is addressing infrastructure gaps flagged during Chinese visits.

"If we can implement the required improvements," he said, "China could be a game-changer for Bangladesh's mango exports – opening a whole new horizon."

Declining mango exports

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh harvested 24 lakh tonnes of mangoes in FY24. Yet exports totalled just 1,321 tonnes – down sharply from 3,100 tonnes in FY23 and 1,757 tonnes the year before.

In FY24, Bangladesh shipped mangoes to 21 countries, compared to 36 the previous year, with destinations including the UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Singapore.

Nazmul Hossain Bhuiyan, owner of NHB Corporation and a mango exporter since 1991, said air shipment to Europe last year cost him Tk500–600 per kg after factoring in packaging – resulting in losses across the board.

"There's no coordinated export strategy," Bhuiyan told The Business Standard. "Our packing house is in Shyampur, yet shipments leave from the airport. Co-location would reduce costs. Besides, we've seen our export incentive slashed from 15% to 10%."

Mango exporter and Global Trade Link owner Razia Sultana told TBS that countries like India, the Philippines, and Thailand use dedicated cargo flights for mango exports, while Bangladesh depends on passenger flights.

"This pushes our shipping cost to Europe about $1.50 higher per kilo," she said. "Though we get some benefit from GSP facilities, our local mango prices are higher. Our mangoes may taste better, but theirs are more consistent in quality. That's where we fall behind."

New hope in China

During Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's recent visit to China, Dhaka expressed interest in mango exports – to which Beijing responded positively.

During a press briefing on 20 March, the chief adviser's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said an opportunity has also been created for large-scale mango exports as the "Chinese people like Bangladeshi mangoes".

China imports about 4 lakh tonnes of mangoes annually, mainly from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Exporters and officials believe that Bangladesh can compete in this space if standards are met.

"China is a promising market," said Bhuiyan. "But unless we improve our logistics and policy support, we'll struggle against better-prepared rivals."

Kabir Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, said many cargo planes return empty from China – a logistical inefficiency Bangladesh could exploit.

"If we can fill those return flights, freight could fall to Tk50–60 per kg," he noted.

Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Summit, Alex Wang, secretary general of the China-Bangladesh Partnership Platform, confirmed China's interest in Bangladeshi mangoes.

"A Chinese business delegation will visit during the harvest season to inspect farms and packaging facilities. Our government has already communicated this to Bangladesh," he said at the event.

Compliance challenge

Prof Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed, chairman of Plant Pathology at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and a GLOBALG.A.P. trainer, said China's General Administration of Customs requires 30 export conditions.

Bangladesh must also guarantee its mangoes are free from 21 quarantine pests. "Each export batch must undergo rigorous pre-shipment testing – 2% of the batch or 600 mangoes, whichever is greater. If even one pest is found, the whole shipment is rejected."

Prof Faruq stressed that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) compliance is critical – not only for China but for broader international market access. "If Bangladesh can maintain traceability and hygiene standards, the Chinese market is within reach."

He added that bilateral trade deals – like Thailand's durian agreement with China or its mango pact with South Korea – offer a model for Bangladesh. "An export agreement with China could significantly ease market entry."