Mar 12, 2010

USDA Proposes Expanded Japanese Apple Imports

On March 10, USDA proposed allowing fresh apples from Japan to be imported into the United States. If the proposal is approved, all varieties of apples would be allowed, but there would be limitations placed on volumes.

To curb pest control issues, these apples would have to overcome the same phytosanitary restrictions that Japanese Fuji apples currently face. Fuji apple imports from Japan and South Korea are allowed into the United States if the fruit is cold-treated and fumigated for pests under the supervision of USDA inspectors.

According to USDA, Japanese Fuji apple imports comprised only 0.1 percent of U.S. apple imports in 2008, and allowing other apples won’t change that figure dramatically. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until May 10, according to the department.

In 2009, Japan shipped less than 14,000 40-pound cartons of fresh Fujis to the United States, up 5 percent from the previous season. The value of Japanese Fujis was about $60 per carton in 2004, but just $16 per carton in 2009, according to USDA statistics.