We are conducting a risk analysis for peach and nectarine (Prunus persica) fruit for human consumption from Japan.
Risk analysis:
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures, if required
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish the final report
- verify that the country can meet the recommended risk management measures
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
About the risk analysis
We initiated this risk analysis because Japan requested market access for fresh peaches and nectarines. Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
This risk analysis is being conducted as a review of biosecurity import requirements. This is because we have completed a preliminary assessment of the pests of potential biosecurity concern associated with peaches and nectarines from Japan and found that:
- the pests of concern are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those pests that have been assessed previously for peaches and nectarines or other horticultural goods. These pests include aphids, beetles, fruit flies, mealybugs, spider mites, moths, scales, thrips and pathogens.
- appropriate risk management measures exist for these pests or pest groups.
Announcement
We announced the commencement of this risk analysis on 19 June 2025.
Trade
Australia-Japan trade
Japan is an important trading partner for Australia. Japan is Australia's second largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, valued at $103.9 billion in 2023-24. Japan is also Australia’s third largest agricultural, fisheries and forestry export market, valued at $6.1 billion in 2023-24.
Peach and nectarine industry in Japan
Japan’s peach and nectarine industry is established. They produce significantly more peaches than nectarines. In 2023, Japan produced approximately 109,480 t of peaches and 1,120 t of nectarines.
Japan exports small volumes of peaches and nectarines (2,200 t in 2023). The exports are mostly sent to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
Peaches and nectarines are harvested in Japan from late June to early September, depending on the growing region.
Peach and nectarine industry in Australia
Peaches and nectarines are mainly grown in Victoria, with smaller volumes grown in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania. In 2023-24, Australia produced 72,813 t of peaches and nectarines.
Australian-grown peaches and nectarines are harvested between October and April.
Australia is a net exporter of peaches and nectarines. In 2023-24, Australia exported 13,424 t of peaches and nectarines. The top export markets were China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Peach and nectarine imports
Australia currently permits import of peaches and nectarines from the United States of America, China and New Zealand, provided the biosecurity import conditions are met.
Australia imports only a modest volume of peaches and nectarines, averaging 905 t per year over the past 3 years. In 2023-24, Australia imported 444 t of these fruits from the United States of America, and none from other countries.
Next steps
We will:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse the biosecurity risks
- develop a draft report, which will propose risk management measures (if required) to manage the identified biosecurity risks
- release the draft report for a 60-calendar day public consultation period. We plan to release the draft report in early 2026. Please note that this is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
Subscribe to ‘Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant’ via our online subscription service to receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
Contact us
For more information, email imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1).