Market access was granted following recent bilateral discussions between the two countries and follows a recent free trade agreement that led to the elimination of tariffs on Australian pumpkins exported to Japan.

“This is fantastic news for export-ready pumpkin growers throughout Australia who are now in a much stronger position to expand their growing operations to meet increasing demand in Japan for high quality vegetable produce,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development, Michael Coote. “Japan is one of Australia’s largest export markets for horticultural produce, with total vegetable exports worth AUD $44 million in 2015-16, up five per cent on the previous year. It is a potentially lucrative export market for Australian pumpkin growers as it imports more than 100,000 tonnes of pumpkins from around the world each year.”

“The agreement between Australia and Japan presents a huge growth opportunity for Australian vegetable growers to build trade into a high-value export market in a region that is increasingly calling for high quality Australian vegetables.” 

Coote said that AUSVEG organised a successful trade mission to Japan earlier this year, where Australian vegetable growers were able to display their high quality produce to key buyers and develop trade relationships. He added that a number of these buyers have also travelled to Australia to see our vegetable growing operations in action.

“The challenge now is for Australian growers to investigate the pumpkin varieties that are popular in Japan, so that they can grow the varieties that are in high demand with Japanese consumers and maximise their ability to sell their produce into this market.”

Vegetable industry export development activities are funded through Horticulture Innovation Australia using vegetable levy funds and funds from the Australian Government.