Mangosteens Ready for China Once Again

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is optimistic it will be able to reopen its mangosteen market in China next year. Deputy director for bilateral partnerships at the International Marketing Directorate within the Agriculture Ministry, Dedi Junaedi, said the standards for growing mangosteens have increased. The government will monitor more closely the cadmium content of the fruit according to regulations. 

China has been Indonesia’s largest mangosteen market. In 2012, mangosteen exports to China reached US$8.73 million, topping Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

However, last February, China suddenly rejected Indonesia’s mangosteens, claiming their cadmium content reached 0.065 milligrams per kilogram—far beyond China’s imposed limit, 0.05 milligrams. 

Data from the Agriculture Ministry revealed that, ever since China rejected Indonesia’s mangosteens, exports fell drastically. Up until April 2013, only 212 tons of mangosteens were able to penetrate the Chinese market. By contrast, last year’s figure was 8,229 tons. 

Aside from China, Indonesia exports mangosteens to Hong Kong, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, France and Vietnam. Indonesia is planning to officially export its mangosteens to Korea, as well. 

In the middle of this month, Agriculture Minister Suswono also successfully cleared the path to New Zealand’s mangosteen market. By means of a commerce deal, which is valid from November 13, Indonesia is able to export unlimited amounts of mangosteens to New Zealand.  

The Ministry of Agriculture said Indonesia’s mangosteen exports continue to rise each year. In 2010, the total export volume of mangosteens reached 11,387 tons, followed by 12,603 tons in 2011 and 20,168 tons in 2012.

AYU PRIMA SANDI