US Mango Imports Resume Regular Operations Following a Slump
India’s Mango Exports to the US Resume After Data Correction
Mango exports from India to the United States are back on track following the resolution of a data discrepancy at a critical irradiation facility. In FY24, exports saw a remarkable increase of 130%, reaching a value of $10.01 million. Currently, India supplies mangoes to 48 nations, benefitting from growing demand and the expansion of markets that enhance overall export performance.
Rectification of Errors in Irradiation Facilities
A senior official announced that mango exports to the US have normalized after correcting an error in one of the irradiation facilities. The facility located in Mumbai had a data recording mistake concerning irradiation treatment conducted on May 8-9, resulting in the rejection of 12 mango shipments in the US. “This facility is responsible for the highest volume of mango irradiation meant for the US, and the error was resolved on May 10. Other irradiation facilities remained unaffected,” the official reported. An investigation into the error and its causes is currently underway at the facility’s management level.
Cooperative Service Agreement
The mango exports to the USA are facilitated under a Cooperative Service Agreement between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). According to the operational plan, mangoes are sourced from registered farms, sorted and graded at accredited packhouses, treated with hot water fungicide, and finally irradiated at USDA-approved facilities—three in total this year.
Significant Growth in Export Value
India’s mango exports to the USA have experienced significant growth, jumping from $4.36 million in 2022-23 to $10.01 million in 2023-24. This marks a significant 130% increase. Globally, India ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of mangoes, with fresh mango exports rising by 66% in value over the past four years, from $36.22 million in FY21 to $60.14 million in FY24. In 2023-24, India achieved a record 32,104 metric tonnes of fresh mangoes exported, accumulating a value of $60.14 million—the highest export revenue in the last five years.
Future Projections and Market Expansion
For the 2024-25 period, based on current data and trends, mango exports are anticipated to surpass those of the previous year. Presently, India sends mangoes to 48 countries, with the UAE constituting 31% and the US accounting for 23% of imports from April to February 2024-25. The revenue for mango exports has significantly escalated, increasing from $1,130/MT in 2019-20 to $1,846/MT in 2024-25, reflecting a notable growth of 63%. Additionally, India’s export markets have begun to include new countries such as Iran, the Czech Republic, Nigeria, and South Africa.
