Mango growers to benefit as Japan lifts varietal restrictions on Australian exports

Mango growers are set to gain expanded market access into East Asia with the removal of varietal restrictions on Australian exports of the fruit to Japan. Japan will now permit the importation of all types of mango grown in Australia under the new arrangement. Previously, only five types of Australian-grown mangoes could be exported to Japan. Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said while the Australian mango industry would enjoy “immediate benefits”, the arrangement was of further significance for the wider horticulture sector. “Japan is a priority market for Australian horticulture, offering growth potential and premium price points, aligning perfectly with our vision for the future of Australian agriculture,” he said. “The removal of varietal restrictions makes way for changes for other commodities, potentially paving the way for further market access expansions and strengthening the Australian horticultural sector.” Senator Watt said the Japanese market offered long-term growth potential to Australia’s mango industry and described the new arrangement as an “important” milestone in the two countries’ trade relationship. Japan is Australia’s second-largest export market for agriculture, forestry and fisheries products, with a combined value of $6.5 billion last financial year — up 4 per cent from 2021-2022.