Private Company’s Controversial New Charge Could Hurt Pakistan’s Meat Exports

Pakistan’s meat exporters have urged the government to intervene after new logistics charges imposed by Gerry’s Dnata threatened to increase export costs and disrupt shipments to international markets.

The All Pakistan Meat Exporters & Processors Association (APMEPA) has formally approached the Ministry of Commerce, asking authorities to halt what it described as “unauthorized and unjustified” charges imposed on exporters.

According to the association, Gerry’s Dnata recently introduced an additional fee of Rs. 50 per kilogram on meat exports and warned exporters that consignments would not be processed if the charge is not paid.

Exporters say the measure could significantly raise logistics costs at a time when Pakistan is attempting to boost export earnings to support its external accounts. Industry representatives estimate that the new fee translates to roughly $180 per ton, potentially eroding the competitiveness of Pakistani meat in global markets.

APMEPA Chairman Mian Abdul Hannan said exporters were already operating in a highly competitive international environment where even small increases in logistics costs could determine whether exporters retain or lose market share.

“Pakistan’s exporters require stable and predictable logistics costs to remain competitive,” he said, warning that sudden increases in handling charges could undermine confidence in the country’s export supply chain.

The association also questioned the legality of the additional charges, arguing that exporters should not be responsible for such costs. According to industry representatives, handling and service charges are typically paid by airlines, and any operational or financial disputes should be resolved between the airline and the service provider rather than passed on to exporters.

Exporters said the issue is particularly concerning as Pakistan seeks to expand its export base and reduce reliance on imports to stabilize the economy.

Industry stakeholders warned that if the charges remain in place, they could disrupt shipments, increase export prices and push international buyers toward competing suppliers with lower logistics costs.

APMEPA has called on the federal government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and direct relevant authorities to ensure exporters are not subjected to measures that could undermine Pakistan’s export competitiveness.

The association warned that failure to address the issue promptly could threaten the growth of Pakistan’s meat exports, which have emerged as a value-added segment of the country’s agricultural export sector.