Pakistani Meat Exporters Demand Removal of Extra Export Charges

KARACHI – Pakistani meat exporters urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene over new ad hoc charges. The fees, $0.18 per kilogram, were imposed by travel and visa services firm Gerry’s Dnata. Exporters warned the charges could disrupt shipments and hurt Pakistan’s global market share.

Pakistan exported $512 million worth of meat, including beef, mutton, and poultry, in fiscal year 2023-24, according to the country’s statistics bureau. Exporters said the additional fees would total $180 per ton, sharply increasing logistics costs. They fear higher costs could reduce competitiveness in international markets.

Officials noted Pakistan produces six million metric tons of halal meat annually. A substantial portion is available for export after meeting domestic demand. Exporters stressed that consistent and predictable logistics costs are essential to remain competitive globally.

The All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA) said even small cost increases could determine market share. Chairman Mian Abdul Hannan warned that sudden unilateral charges could undermine Pakistan’s export supply chain credibility. He urged rational and stable logistics fees to maintain trust with buyers.

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The UAE remained Pakistan’s top meat export market, with shipments worth $201 million in 2023-24. Exports to Saudi Arabia grew 65.1% to $141 million. Other important markets include Kuwait, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, while China and Kyrgyzstan represent emerging opportunities.

In December, PM Sharif approved Pakistan’s halal meat export policy. He directed authorities to implement a three-year action plan targeting Muslim and global markets. Exporters emphasized that additional charges contradict efforts to expand international trade.

APMEPA has approached the commerce ministry, requesting a halt to “unauthorized and unjustified charges.” Hannan said careful review is needed to prevent weakening Pakistan’s export competitiveness. Exporters stressed that rising logistics costs could erode market gains and reduce confidence among global buyers.