Bangladesh produces more than two million tonnes of mangoes every year, yet only 0.05% reach the global export. A new study reveals that despite being one of the world’s leading producers, the country’s export performance remains highly constrained by gaps in international compliance, modern processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and certification systems.
The research was conducted by LightCastle Partners, implemented in collaboration with the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF) Bangladesh and DASCOH Foundation, with philanthropic support from HSBC Bangladesh.
The findings were presented on Wednesday at a dissemination event in Dhaka, attended by representatives from government agencies, private sector organizations, producers, exporters, financial institutions and other stakeholders.
Senior Business Consultant Ainan Tajrian of LightCastle Partners shared key data and insights from the study.
Production rising, exports stagnant
According to the research, mango production in Bangladesh has grown steadily in recent years. Ainan noted that while the country produces more than 2.4 million tonnes of mangoes annually, exports amount to only around 1,321 tonnes, a negligible share in terms of global market participation.
The opening of the Chinese market presents new opportunities, the study says, but the lack of adequate preparation could also pose significant risks. Bangladesh currently has only five functional Hot Water Treatment (HWT) units and virtually no Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) facility—both of which are mandatory for markets such as China, Japan, and parts of Europe.
Compliance and certification gaps
Entry into most premium international markets requires Global GAP certification, but Bangladesh currently has only one certified enterprise. High certification costs—ranging from BDT 500,000 to 1.2 million—and the need for foreign auditors remain major deterrents for farmers and exporters.
Speaking at the event, Nasir-Ud-Doula, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said:
“These challenges cannot be solved by any single entity. We need inter-ministerial coordination and a holistic approach to strengthen the entire export ecosystem.”
Weak cold chain causing major economic losses
The study estimates that shortcomings in cold-chain infrastructure contribute to USD 2.4 billion in annual post-harvest losses across Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
For mangoes, the lack of refrigerated transport means the fruit often deteriorates during long-distance shipment, reducing export suitability.
The absence of adequate cold-storage facilities at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, along with frequent malfunctions of the Explosive Detection Scanner required for shipments to the UK and EU, also hampers exports. Many exporters are forced to reroute goods through third countries, raising costs significantly.
Regional competitors far ahead
The research highlights how competitor countries have strengthened their export capabilities:
- India has more than 70 accredited laboratories and over 10 pack houses.
- Thailand earns over USD 130 million annually from mango exports, supported by modern processing, VHT technology, irradiation facilities, and a robust cold chain.
Bangladesh, by contrast, has only one government-run pack house, located in Sreepur, far from major production hubs—limiting its effectiveness.
Production technology offers new promise
Under SAF’s CRAAB project, the Ultra-High-Density Plantation (UHDP) model has gained traction in Naogaon and Chapainawabganj. The system allows higher yields on smaller land areas, with lower water use and quicker fruiting—offering potential to strengthen export competitiveness.
“International standards will be key to success”, beleives Osman Haruni, Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Food Security) at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh.
“Mango is the most promising sector within Bangladesh’s agri-export portfolio. To capture international markets, adhering to global standards and strengthening processing capacity are essential”, added Haruni.
Agricultural scientist Prof. Dr. M. A. Rahim said, “Bangladesh’s mango exports are still largely limited to ethnic markets. Entering mainstream retail chains will require major infrastructural upgrades.”
Export diversification crucial for LDC graduation
LightCastle Partners’ Managing Director Zahedul Amin said the research has been ongoing since May. He stressed that export diversification is now a national priority, particularly with Bangladesh’s LDC graduation in 2026 approaching.
The report identifies five priority areas:
- Improving production technologies
- Strengthening post-harvest management
- Expanding cold-storage capacity
- Meeting international export standards
- Enhancing market linkages
The study concludes that Bangladesh has significant potential to establish a strong foothold in the global mango market. However, without modernization across the value chain—from orchards to airports— and stronger coordination among government and private-sector actors, the country risks falling behind its regional competitors.
