Pakistan seeks investigation into extra cargo charges on meat exports

Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has asked aviation authorities to investigate complaints of additional cargo charges on meat exports, amid concerns the issue could disrupt shipments and hurt competitiveness in global markets.

In a letter dated March 17, the ministry asked the director general of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) in Karachi to examine “unauthorized additional charges” reportedly imposed by cargo handler Gerry’s Dnata on export consignments.

The move follows a complaint by the All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA), which said the charges were raising costs and affecting exporters’ ability to compete internationally.

Exporters flag cost increase

Exporters said the company recently introduced an additional charge of PKR 50 per kilogram on meat exports and warned that consignments would not be processed unless the payment was made.

Industry representatives estimate the levy amounts to about $180 per ton, significantly increasing costs for exporters operating in competitive global markets.

The Ministry of Commerce noted that the issue had been raised during a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Export of Surplus Food Items to GCC Countries on March 15, where officials were informed that the additional charges had already been withdrawn.

However, exporters say the charges are still being applied in practice, prompting the ministry to seek regulatory intervention.

Ministry seeks resolution

The ministry has asked the aviation regulator to investigate the matter and resolve it to the satisfaction of exporters, and to update the committee on the outcome.

Exporters warned that uncertainty over cargo handling costs could disrupt shipments of perishable meat products, which depend on tightly managed cold-chain logistics and air cargo operations.

Industry growth at risk

Pakistan’s meat export sector has expanded steadily over the past decade, supplying halal meat to markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, as well as Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.

Industry stakeholders said predictable logistics costs are critical to sustaining this growth, particularly as Pakistan competes with exporters such as Brazil and Australia.

Exporters have urged authorities to ensure cargo handling charges remain transparent and regulated, warning that sudden cost increases could undermine the country’s efforts to boost foreign exchange earnings through value-added food exports.