Exporters have raised serious concerns over a hike in Pakistan air cargo charges, which they say is adding fresh pressure to already strained export operations.
According to the source, businesses are objecting to new charges imposed on air cargo shipments at international airports nationwide, warning that the move could hurt competitiveness and disrupt trade.
The concern is especially acute for sectors that deal in time-sensitive, perishable goods, where even a small increase in logistics costs can quickly affect margins and delivery planning.
The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association has written to the Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority, urging immediate intervention over the new rates. In its letter, the association warned that the added charges could significantly affect export activity.
The Ground handling companies have introduced an ad hoc charge of Rs50 per kilogram on air cargo shipments. Separate recent reporting has also described new operating charges ranging from Rs25 to Rs50 per kilogram, linked to rising logistics and operating costs.
Exporters argue that this additional burden will raise shipment costs and make Pakistani goods less competitive in international markets. That concern is particularly strong for perishable exports such as fruit, vegetables, and other goods that depend on quick air transport.
In its appeal, the exporters’ association called on the aviation authority to ensure the immediate withdrawal of the extra charges. It warned that failure to act could lead to financial losses for exporters and create broader disruption across the export sector.
That warning reflects wider anxiety in trade circles. Recent business reporting says industry groups have complained that the surcharge was introduced without proper consultation and at a time when exporters are already facing higher freight and war-related costs.
For exporters of fresh produce, the issue goes beyond accounting. Higher cargo costs can directly affect pricing, order volumes, and the ability to compete in tightly contested overseas markets.
The concern is not limited to exporters alone. Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association Chairman Jamil Ahmed, who said the sudden increase in cargo handling charges could further damage Pakistan’s fragile export sector and create serious operational difficulties for freight forwarders.
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PIFFA’s official site identifies Muhammad Jamil Ahmed as the association’s chairman for the 2024–2026 term. His remarks underline how the issue is affecting multiple parts of the logistics chain, from exporters and cargo agents to freight forwarders managing shipment flow through major airports.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s trade sector, with businesses already watching rising costs and fragile market conditions. Exporters say any new airport-related fee can quickly compound the pressures they face in foreign markets.
