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January 21, 2026 | ABC News |

Growers in Australia’s Northern Territory fear that allowing pomelo imports from Vietnam will undercut local prices and threaten biosecurity, particularly through the possible reintroduction of citrus canker. The federal agriculture department has recommended permitting Vietnamese pomelo imports under strict biosecurity conditions, but local producers worry cheaper imports could flood the market, as happened previously with dragon fruit.

Pomelo growers say Vietnam’s large-scale production could make domestic operations unviable, while past outbreaks of citrus canker in Australia heighten concern about disease risks. Industry group Citrus Australia initially opposed the move, citing unacceptable biosecurity threats, but has since softened its position after discussions with government officials, focusing on stronger mitigation measures.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry insists that imports will only proceed once rigorous, science-based biosecurity safeguards are finalized, stressing that Australia’s protection standards will not be compromised. While acknowledging growers’ concerns, Citrus Australia notes that imports are part of broader free-trade arrangements and that Australia also benefits from export access.

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