Mango exports to EU suspended

Exports of Ivorian mangoes to the European Union have been suspended since August 1, 2026, due to repeated failures to meet phytosanitary standards. This was announced by Bruno Koné, the minister of Agriculture, during a press conference in Abidjan.

Reason for suspension

The suspension follows the interception of multiple shipments due to the presence of fruit flies, which pose a risk to agricultural products. In 2026, 27 lots of Ivorian mangoes were intercepted, up from 12 in 2025 but down from 32 in 2024.

Economic impact of EU market

The European Union is a major market for Ivorian mangoes, accounting for about 66 percent of the industry’s export revenue in 2025. That year, the EU imported nearly 25 million dollars worth of mangoes from Côte d'Ivoire.

Urgency of resuming exports

Authorities aim to resume mango exports to the EU by the 2027 season. However, they have only a few months to strengthen controls and implement measures to meet European phytosanitary requirements.

Government funding for phytosanitary measures

To address the issue, the government plans to allocate 3.5 billion FCFA (5.9 million dollars) to combat fruit flies. This includes funding for phytosanitary treatments across 20,000 hectares of orchards and the deployment of over three million traps in producing regions.

New governance structure for mango industry

On September 23, the government decided to place the mango industry under the regulation of the Council of Cotton, Cashew, and Shea (CCAK). This move is part of a broader reorganization to improve governance and compliance.

Importance of 2027 season

The 2027 season will be a critical test for the industry, as it aims to restore exports and protect the livelihoods of nearly 100,000 people employed in mango production. Success will depend on the effectiveness of new controls and governance structures.