Sweet Success: How Mango Diplomacy is Transforming India-U.S. Trade Amid Challenges – Insights from Bharat

India’s mango exports to the United States have experienced a remarkable rise, seeing a 130% increase in value this fiscal year. However, this success story has hit a bump. In May, U.S. authorities rejected 15 shipments due to paperwork issues.

Mango exports to the U.S. reached $10.01 million in FY2024–25, up from $4.36 million the prior year. This surge reflects growing demand for popular Indian mangoes like Alphonso and Kesar. Despite having passed the necessary irradiation process, these shipments faced scrutiny over compliance protocols.

Nearly $500,000 worth of the rejected mangoes were destroyed upon arrival in the U.S. because of issues with the PPQ203 certificate. This certificate is crucial for confirming that the irradiation process, required by U.S. food safety laws, has been completed.

This situation falls under a Cooperative Service Agreement between India’s APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). U.S. inspectors in India oversee the irradiation of mangoes before they are exported.

Exporters suggest that the issue arose at the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board’s irradiation facility. A Mumbai-based exporter explained, “The treatment was done correctly, but the supporting documents weren’t issued in time.”

Indian officials have acknowledged the mistake but pointed fingers at U.S. inspectors who may not have adhered to protocol by accepting the shipments with incomplete paperwork. In response, APEDA is reviewing the processes and aims to standardize the certification to prevent similar issues in the future.

The financial loss is significant, but it also harms trust in the export system. An APEDA official commented, “This damages trust and affects our credibility in a growing market.” The U.S. is a key destination for Indian mangoes, often referred to as “India’s gift to the world.” These fruits contribute to India’s diplomatic and trade strategies, emphasizing the importance of getting this right.

According to recent statistics, the volume of mango exports is expected to grow even more in the coming years as international interest continues to rise. Understanding the intricacies of exporting mangoes and the importance of documentation will be crucial for both Indian exporters and U.S. authorities moving forward.

For further insights on the regulations affecting agricultural exports, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official site.

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