According to a survey released on June 19, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture suspects that seedlings of approximately 50 crops developed domestically — including expensive citrus and strawberry varieties — have been illegally listed on international e-commerce platforms.
The investigation found the items being offered at prices significantly below official rates, accompanied by information indicating their Japanese origin. The transactions primarily targeted markets in China and South Korea.
The ministry has recorded numerous cases of Japanese plant varieties being illegally exported in recent years, causing economic and reputational damage to domestic producers. Affected crops include premium fruits such as strawberries, grapes, and citrus.
Japanese authorities are working with international partners to trace the source of the violations and curb further illicit trade. No information is yet available on specific sanctions against individuals or organizations involved.
