Japan Authorizes Entry of Mexican Bell Peppers

Japan has authorized the import of fresh bell peppers from Mexico following 16 years of technical and diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) informed Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) that on Sept. 17 it published in its Official Gazette the regulation allowing the import of fresh bell peppers from Mexico. The National Agricultural Council (CNA) welcomed the achievement, attributing it to the efforts of Mexican authorities.

“This is the result of 16 years of negotiations and technical and diplomatic efforts in which the CNA had active participation; it also reflects the strict compliance with sanitary and safety protocols led by SADER and SENASICA,” read the CNA’s official statement.

The National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA) has been conducting scientific research since 2009 to demonstrate that Mexican bell peppers are not susceptible to tobacco blue mold, a pest that Japan has sought to keep out since 1945.

In July 2025, MAFF issued the Work Plan for the Export of Fresh Bell Peppers From Mexico to Japan, agreed upon by the sanitary authorities of both countries. Mexican producers who comply with the plan’s requirements must register their production units and packing facilities with SENASICA, which will then provide Japan with an official list.

CNA highlighted that the regulation opens new opportunities for Mexican producers and exporters, who can now access a strategic and highly valued market. Currently, 96% of bell pepper exports end up in the United States. However, after tariff restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, producers are seeking to diversify their markets.

Alfredo Díaz Belmontes, Director General, Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC), said in July that during the Foodex 2025 trade fair in Japan, local buyers expressed strong demand for bell peppers and held business meetings with Mexican producers.

From January to May 2025, the United States purchased more than US$623 million worth of bell peppers from Mexican farms, while Canada acquired more than US$21 million, according to Banxico. During the same period, bell pepper exports showed a 0.254% decline due to restrictive measures imposed by the US government.

According to CNA, Japan is Mexico’s second-largest trading partner for agriculture products. Products currently exported to Japan include pork and beef, asparagus, grapes, berries, avocado, tomato, mango, orange juice, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Bell peppers will now join this list.

Bell peppers rank among the Top 10 horticultural products exported by Mexico to destinations such as the United States, Canada, and Spain. Average annual production of the crop in Mexico exceeds 3.1Mt, with strong participation from states including Sinaloa, Sonora, Jalisco, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, and San Luis Potosi.

A large part of bell pepper production is carried out under protected agriculture systems, which ensure more efficient control of variables such as temperature, humidity, and light, contributing to plant health and food safety, CNA explained.