Export Composition and Competitiveness of India’s Fresh Mangoes in the Global Market

Abstract

India, the world’s leading producer and exporter of mangoes, plays a significant role in the global fruit trade with a diverse range of varieties. This study examines the trade composition, growth trends, and export competitiveness of fresh mango varieties from India during the period 2020–21 to 2023–24, using data from APEDA and ITC Trade Map. The study employs analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), and the Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) to assess export performance, competitiveness, and market concentration. The analysis reveals that total mango exports have shown a positive growth trend, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.11 per cent in volume and 7.02 per cent in value. Among individual varieties, Kesar and Chausa exhibited remarkable growth, while Alphonso showed a declining trend despite its premium status. The export basket is largely dominated by the “Other Mangoes” category, indicating limited varietal specificity. Competitiveness analysis using RCA and RSCA indices highlights a declining comparative advantage of India in recent years. Furthermore, the export market is highly concentrated, with the UAE emerging as the major importer. The findings emphasize the need for diversification of export markets, promotion of high-demand varieties, and strengthening of quality and supply chain systems to enhance India’s global competitiveness in mango exports.