Bangladesh’s mango export sector is facing renewed pressure in 2026 as airfreight costs continue to spike sharply on the back of global geopolitical tensions and rising logistics costs. Exporters say shipping costs for perishable fruits such as mangoes have nearly doubled on some international routes, making exports more costly and cutting into profit margins.
How Much Are Freight Export Rates?
The cost of airfreight to the Middle East is now between Tk180 and Tk280 per kg against the earlier Tk120-140, they said. Rates for Europe and the UK destinations have gone up to around Tk620-650 per kg, with some London shipments reportedly reaching Tk700 per kg.
Exporters are concerned about the sharp rise at the peak of the mango export season.
Why are shipping costs rising?
Experts say the rise in shipping prices is primarily attributable to conflicts around the world and interruptions in global trade. Tensions involving Iran, Israel and the US have also impacted air cargo routes and fuel pricing, adding to operational costs for airlines and logistics providers around the world.
Exporters will have to pay fuel surcharges, security fees, airport handling charges and cold-chain management expenses at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in addition to basic freight charges.
Logistics becomes more difficult
Mangoes are highly perishable, and in the absence of adequate storage conditions, they are normally fresh for seven to ten days. Such dependence on fast, temperature-controlled transport puts exporters at great risk.
Most exporters maintain quality during international transit by refrigerated packaging and cold storage systems. But the whole process is getting a lot more expensive due to higher air freight rates.
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Sea shipping options considered by exporters
Now some companies are trying sea transport for their mango exports to save money. Although cheaper, sea freight is slower and requires complex refrigerated container systems to keep products fresh on the journey. Exporters say air cargo prices are rising and sea routes may become more important in the future.
Global Markets Face Growing Competition
Bangladesh also faces stiff competition from neighbouring India, whose exporters are struggling with relatively competitive freight structures. Despite the challenges, Bangladesh exported more than 3,000 tonnes of mangoes last year, showing that the demand for local varieties in the international market is still high.
Prospects for Mango Exports in the Coming Years
Export entrepreneurs think that better cargo facilities, lower airport charges and a stronger cold-chain infrastructure could help Bangladesh retain its competitiveness in the global fruit market. But for now, rising airfreight costs remain one of the biggest obstacles for mango exporters looking to expand shipments to Europe, the Middle East and other international destinations.
