The Japanese government has started a formal public consultation process to consider authorizing imports of fresh bell and chilli peppers from Mexico. If approved, this would enable Mexican producers to expand market access beyond the United States and move toward greater engagement with Asia.
The consultation period, announced on July 18, will run until August 16, 2025. If no objections are recorded, Mexican and Japanese authorities will proceed with an analysis to finalize a work plan for the authorization.
According to the Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC), the development follows over six years of work involving producer associations and federal agencies, including AMHPAC, the Confederation of Agricultural Associations of the State of Sinaloa's (CAADES) Committee for Research and Defense of Vegetables (CIDH), the Center for Research in Food and Development (CIAD), and the National Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA).
The process reportedly gained momentum following FOODEX 2025 in Japan, where AMHPAC-affiliated producers met with Japanese buyers and identified demand for Mexican bell peppers.
AMHPAC CEO Alfredo Díaz said a key moment in the negotiations was the April 2024 visit of officials from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture to Sinaloa, one of Mexico's main bell pepper-producing states. He noted that this visit allowed Japanese authorities to review production systems in person, addressing previous phytosanitary concerns such as tobacco blue mold, which had led to a ban on imports.
In parallel with the regulatory process, Mexican producers and Japanese importers have been working to address logistics and improve the profitability of the trade route. While Japan has traditionally relied on air freight for fresh produce, the two sides are exploring sea freight options. Advances in logistics technology have made it possible to extend the shelf life of vegetables, making maritime shipping a viable and more cost-efficient alternative despite longer transit times.
Díaz said expanding into Japan could support market diversification, particularly as recent tariff measures have added complexity to vegetable exports. "While exporting to China is not yet viable due to the lack of phytosanitary protocols, other markets like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea offer promising opportunities. These regions, though smaller in demand compared to the United States, are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality products like Mexican ones. We are confident in the global quality of Mexican produce. Expanding into Japan and other Asian markets will mark a significant milestone in positioning Mexican horticulture on the world stage," he said.
Source: Mexico Business News
