Bangladesh has exported mangoes and jackfruits by sea for the first time to the United Arab Emirates, the United States and several European countries. Previously, these fruits were exported only by air.
According to the Chattogram Plant Quarantine Station, 39,141 kg of mangoes were shipped overseas in the recent season. Of this, 17,877 kg went to the United Kingdom, 14,580 kg to the UAE, 3,834 kg to the United States, 1,950 kg to Italy, 504 kg to Belgium and 396 kg to Canada.
Md Shah Alam, deputy director of the Chattogram Plant Quarantine Centre (Seaport), said, "This is the first time mangoes have been exported by sea. Although the quality of the fresh mangoes sent to Dubai was a bit poor, there was no such problem with the frozen ones sent to other countries."
Jackfruit exports have also started by sea. Dhaka-based company Universe Style shipped 3,500 kg to Dubai in May. The consignment arrived after 26 days instead of 12, but the fruit quality remained almost intact. In the current season, 1,531 tons of jackfruit were exported, of which 3.5 tons went by sea. The rest were sent by air, mainly to the Middle East, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and Ireland.
Exporters note that sea freight lowers costs. Air shipment costs about US$1.45 per kg, while sending a 30–32 ton container by sea costs US$3,000–3,400, reducing the per kg cost to about US$0.12–0.13. However, long transit times continue to affect quality.
Vegetable exports by sea have grown rapidly. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, 58,766 tons of vegetables were shipped by sea, a 313% increase from the previous year. Between January and August 2025, 55,704 tons moved through Chattogram Port. Potatoes accounted for 38,046 tons, cabbage 15,636 tons, green chilli 277 tons, tomato 167 tons, sweet pumpkin 698 tons and frozen vegetables 880 tons.
Md Shah Alam said, "Although a huge amount of fruit and vegetables are produced in the country every year, only a small portion is exported due to a lack of processing facilities. If modern infrastructure, including a packing house, can be built, sea-based export will open up a new horizon."
Officials indicated that expanding sea exports would lower costs, improve competitiveness and help Bangladesh access new markets if investments in storage and processing facilities are made.
Source: The Business Standard