DFNet

September 22, 2026 | ABC News |

Australia has suspended imports of fresh pomelo from Vietnam for six months after biosecurity concerns were identified in imported consignments. The suspension comes only months after the market opened to Vietnamese pomelo in April following years of negotiations.

Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry detected symptoms of exotic pests and diseases and subsequently conducted an audit in Vietnam. The audit found that export systems and processes did not fully comply with the agreed trade requirements. Authorities have not disclosed the specific pests or diseases detected but confirmed there were no findings of citrus greening disease or citrus canker, two major threats to Australia’s citrus industry.

Citrus Australia welcomed the suspension, emphasizing the importance of preventing exotic pests and diseases from entering the country. Australia’s citrus industry was valued at A$1.2 billion in 2025, making it the country’s most valuable fruit industry.

Affected pomelo shipments have been exported or destroyed at importers’ expense. During the suspension, Australian authorities will review the Vietnamese pomelo import pathway and work with Vietnam to implement corrective measures before trade can resume.

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