US Rejects 15 Indian Mango Shipments, Exporters Lose Rs 4.2 Crore But Domestic Market Remains Unaffected

United States (U.S.) authorities have declined several consignments of mangoes from India due to shortcomings in export documentation, with at least 15 shipments refused entry at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The mangoes had undergone irradiation treatment on May 8 and 9 at a facility in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, under the oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a compulsory procedure designed to eliminate pests and extend the fruit's shelf life.

U.S. Rejects Indian Mango Consignments Due to Documentation Issues

Officials cited discrepancies in the irradiation paperwork, particularly concerning the PPQ203 form, as the main reason for the rejection. The PPQ203 certificate, issued by US representatives based in India, is essential for clearance, and exporters claim that the error originated at the Navi Mumbai irradiation facility.

Estimated Rs 4.2 Crore Loss

The mango consignments that were refused entry were either returned to India or destroyed. Due to the perishable nature of mangoes and the high cost of return logistics, exporters chose to dispose of the shipments, resulting in losses estimated at $500,000, approximately Rs 4.2 crore, according to the Economic Times report.

What is Impact of U.S. Mango Shipment Rejections on Indian Domestic Markets?

To understand the impact of the recent U.S. rejection of Indian mango shipments on domestic markets, GoodReturns spoke to local fruit vendors and mango exporters.

Interestingly, not all local traders are fully aware of the crisis. One exporter from Ratnagiri, Maharastra who supplies to multiple Mumbai-based export houses, in conversation with GoodReturns said, "I have not received any official communication about this issue. If shipments are being rejected abroad I am not directly affected yet. However, if it is true it might hit us soon. We usually send out our next batch by early June."

Ratnagiri along with other parts of Maharashtra is famous for cultivating Alphonso mangoes, which are in high demand in international markets, especially in the US.

In Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale fruit market, vendors report stable supply and pricing. "I am not aware of any rejected shipments. We have not been affected. Our business is running smoothly," said Rajender Prasad, a wholesale trader in Delhi.

A fruit vendor in Noida shared a similar view. "If there is a problem with exports, it has not reached us. We have had regular deliveries and customer demand is normal," said Anil Kumar, who runs a fruit stall in Sector 18.

Local market dynamics remain steady, with traders attributing any price shifts to typical seasonal variations rather than external trade issues.

However, after understanding the issue, some small-scale growers, though not directly involved in exports, are concerned that the surplus fruit meant for the U.S. may eventually enter domestic markets, potentially lowering prices. One local exporter added, "I have not been informed of any rejections linked to my shipments. But if this continues, it could impact all of us, even indirectly."

Take a Poll

According to a report cited by CNBC-TV18, government sources have confirmed that an official review of the rejected mango shipments is currently underway, with preliminary findings indicating that one of the USDA-approved irradiation centres in Mumbai may have been at fault.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated, "The matter involves a shipment from the USDA-approved facility, Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in Vashi, Mumbai. Inquiries should be directed to them."

United States, India's Largest Mango Export Destination

The United States has long been India's largest export market for mangoes, particularly for premium varieties such as Alphonso. In fact, the U.S. imports approximately 40% of India's total mango exports. Such documentation-related rejections have caused significant commercial losses underlining flaws in the export process and oversight mechanisms.

Meanwhile, India and the US are in discussions to finalise a broader trade agreement, with former US President Donald Trump having stated that India had proposed a deal with virtually no tariffs, a claim Indian officials have downplayed. As per reports, the first phase of the agreement is expected to be completed in the coming months.