India's mango exports tumble in key markets, seeks new buyers

India, the world's largest mango producer, is facing an unexpected slump in exports to its major markets. In April 2026, the United Arab Emirates, typically the biggest buyer, saw its import value plummet by 62% year-on-year, falling from $9.65 million to $3.64 million. This sharp decline signals a worrying trend for Indian fruit exporters.

The downturn extends to other traditional strongholds. Exports to the United States dropped by 31%, from $5.08 million to $3.50 million, while shipments to the United Kingdom decreased by 33%, from $3.52 million to $2.35 million. Several other Persian Gulf nations also experienced significant drops, with Saudi Arabia's imports falling 59.5% and Kuwait's by a staggering 80%.

However, the picture is not entirely bleak. Some developed markets are showing resilience, suggesting a growing demand for high-quality Indian fruits. Oman's imports rose 27% to $940,000, Germany's increased by 7% to $740,000, and Japan's imports more than doubled to $170,000. These figures highlight a potential shift towards higher-value markets.

In response to the volatility in traditional markets, India is actively seeking to diversify its export destinations. Iceland has emerged as a new target market, representing a smaller but potentially lucrative opportunity. This strategic pivot aims to enhance India's export diversification and pricing power, moving beyond the fluctuating demands of Middle Eastern and North American markets towards more stable, high-value consumers.