Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports

Japan has suspended imports of fresh mangoes from India for the 2026 season, ending nearly two decades of uninterrupted trade. The decision by Japan follows inspections in March at Indian Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities, where Japanese plant quarantine officials reportedly found deficiencies in fumigation and disinfection procedures. The Yokohama Plant Protection Association announced that shipments with certificates issued after March 25, 2026, would not be accepted. This suspension affects premium Indian varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, and Banganapalli. While Japan is not India's largest mango market, it is a high-value market, and the ban is a reputational setback for India's agricultural exports. The timing is particularly challenging for Indian mango farmers, especially in India — Maharashtra, who are already facing severe crop losses due to extreme weather and the El Nino climate pattern. Talks are underway between Indian authorities and Japanese regulators to address the concerns, but exporters fear the current season may be lost.