14/09/2023 (Philippines/ Australia) - The Philippines exported its first batch of fresh mangoes to Sydney and Perth, sharing the "sweetest mangoes in the world" with Australians. Local farms in Davao del Sur municipalities, including Malalag, Digos, Bansalan, and Magsaysay, sent Carabao mangoes to Australia on Sept. 8.
Mangoes are a year-round favorite in the Philippines. In the first quarter of 2023, mango production reached 95.86 thousand metric tons, up from 94 thousand metric tons in the same quarter of 2022. Fresh mango exports from the Philippines also increased from 8,804 MT in 2018 to 11,498 MT in 2022, with Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan as top markets.
After thorough planning and compliance with the Specific Commodity Understanding (SCU) for mango importation, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) approved the trade on Aug. 30, 2023.
The Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), aligned with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), aimed to boost the nation's exports. DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual highlighted its role in addressing economic challenges, particularly in the exports sector.
The Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) - Sydney Commercial Counsellor Alma Argayoso celebrated this trade progress, emphasizing how mango exports supported the new Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight between Manila, Perth, and Western Australia. PAL was the exclusive carrier offering a seamless connection from Davao or General Santos City to Manila and then direct to Perth.