US rejects 15 mango shipments from India, exporters estimate losses of $500,000 Forced to destroy!

U.S. authorities have rejected no fewer than 15 mango shipments from India at major airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, due to documentation irregularities. Exporters were left with two options: destroy the consignments in the U.S. or ship them back to India. Given the perishability of mangoes and the high cost of return logistics, all opted for local disposal.

The U.S. is India’s top export destination for mangoes, making the incident a major concern for bilateral agri-trade. Traders estimate total losses to be around $500,000.

According to an Economic Times report, the mangoes underwent mandatory irradiation in Navi Mumbai on May 8 and 9—a USDA-supervised process that eliminates pests and extends shelf life. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited discrepancies in the associated documentation, particularly the PPQ203 form, which certifies the irradiation treatment.

A USDA communication to one exporter stated that the PPQ203 form was “incorrectly issued,” and the shipment was denied entry, requiring either re-export or destruction. The U.S. government also made clear it would not bear the cost of any remedial measures. Exporters argue the error lies with the USDA-monitored irradiation facility in Mumbai.

“We are being penalized for mistakes made at the irradiation facility,” one exporter said.

Another exporter, whose consignment was detained at Los Angeles Airport between May 9 and 11, rejected claims of non-compliance: “The treatment was done, and the PPQ203 form was issued by the USDA officer. Without that, the mangoes couldn’t even be cleared for export from Mumbai.”

When approached for clarification on the incident—including the volume of fruit affected and the nature of the documentation errors—the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) stated that the matter concerns the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which runs the USDA-approved facility in Vashi, Mumbai. MSAMB has yet to respond to official inquiries.

This disruption comes as India and the U.S. work toward finalizing a broader trade agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that India has offered a deal with “literally no tariffs.” The first phase of this trade pact is expected in the coming months.

India is seeking tariff reductions on key labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, chemicals, gems and jewellery, plastics, and agricultural produce like shrimp, grapes, bananas, and oilseeds. In exchange, the U.S. is pushing for lower duties on industrial products, electric vehicles, dairy items, wines, apples, and tree nuts.