The “Tropical Jewel” shines on as mango market defies challenges

Despite weather woes and logistical hurdles, the tropical jewel of the fruit world keeps shining.

According to the OECD-FAO 2025-2034 Agricultural Outlook, global mango exports followed a sweet upward trajectory, up 6.7 percent year-on-year in 2024, reaching nearly 2.6 million tons.

The report highlights ongoing shifts in mango production and trade, with emerging suppliers such as Egypt contributing to global growth. Mangoes account for 85 percent of tropical fruit shipments worldwide, showing no sign of slowing down.

On the contrary, the outlook for the next decade remains highly optimistic. The OECD-FAO report projects a 3.6 percent growth in global production of mangoes, mangosteens, and guavas, going from 60 million tons in 2024 to 86 million by 2033.

India is set to dominate the market with an estimated 38 million tons produced by 2033, representing 45 percent of world production. Rising incomes and consumer trends are expected to push domestic consumption up from approximately 41.0 to 54.5 pounds per capita.

Brazil and Peru are both expected to strengthen their supplier roles to Europe, with exports reaching 14 percent and 8 percent market shares, respectively. Mexico and Thailand are projected to export roughly 3.1 million and 1.7 million tons each, with Mexico shipping about 22 percent of its total production.

As for the coveted Chinese market, demand is expected to increase by 2.4 percent annually, reaching 800,000 tons by 2033. Overall, global exports will expand to 3.2 million tons—up from 2.3 million in 2024. 

Challenges and opportunities on the horizon

Climate change’s impact on water availability and weather patterns poses ongoing risks to production in Mexico and Peru. Rising transport costs and market dependencies add to the sector’s vulnerability.

However, the ever-expanding global demand driven by health perceptions and increased consumer interest in vitamins and antioxidants offers opportunities. Developing more resilient varieties, enhancing post-harvest handling, and most importantly, diversifying destination markets could hold the key to the mango sector’s future.

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