ISLAMABAD: Serious allegations of under-invoicing and financial irregularities in Pakistan’s mango exports to Japan have surfaced, prompting calls for an immediate investigation by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
According to highly placed sources, a formal complaint has been submitted to TDAP alleging that certain exporters are declaring significantly lower values for mango shipments destined for Japan, potentially causing substantial losses to the national exchequer.
Sources familiar with the complaint claim that export invoices reportedly show a value of around $3.2 per kilogram for mango consignments sent to Japan. However, industry estimates suggest that this amount is close to the air freight and shipping costs alone and does not reflect the actual market value of premium Pakistani mangoes, which is believed to range between $6 and $7 per kilogram depending on quality and variety.
The complaint further alleges that the difference between the declared export value and the actual sale price may be settled through informal channels, including illegal money transfer mechanisms. If proven, experts say the matter could extend beyond under-invoicing and tax evasion, potentially involving violations related to foreign exchange regulations and unlawful financial transactions.
Trade observers warn that such practices, if left unchecked, could undermine fair competition in Pakistan’s export sector by placing honest exporters at a disadvantage. They also caution that irregularities in export documentation could damage the reputation of Pakistani mangoes in Japan, a market known for its strict quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
Sources said the complaint has urged TDAP to conduct a transparent and impartial inquiry into the allegations and to coordinate with relevant authorities to determine whether any financial or regulatory violations have occurred.
Officials have yet to publicly comment on the matter, and no findings have been released at this stage. The allegations remain under review, and the companies concerned have not issued any public response.
Industry stakeholders are now closely watching the developments, saying a thorough investigation is essential to protect Pakistan’s export credibility and ensure transparency in one of the country’s most valuable agricultural export sectors.
