Japan has removed its restriction on US apple imports, ending a long trade dispute between the two countries.

Japan agreed to comply with a World Trade Organisation decision on the apple disease fireblight, and stop its restrictions on US apples.

The decision also means that Japan will change its protocols on the import of New Zealand apples.

Although Japan never banned the country’s apple imports, orchard inspections, packing requirements and an insistence of 45 days' storage before shipping made trade difficult.

It is hoped the move will pressure Australia to drop their 85-year-old ban on New Zealand apples.

Australia says the ban is designed to stop the spread of fireblight, which could devastate the country’s pipfruit industry.

But New Zealand has presented evidence to show fireblight is not transmitted on mature apples and is threatening to take Australia to the WTO committee over the ban.

Consultant and buyer David Cranwell said Japan's move was great news for the "absolutely super-specialist grower" who could present fruit in the condition Japan was used to.

Cranwell said Japan was a sophisticated market, which would suit small, highly focused growers who were prepared to do the extra work for the higher returns.

Varieties such a Fuji Supreme and Pacific Rose would find a market there, he said, but they would have to be perfect in size and shape and picked and packed very carefully. “This a not a place for the cheap and cheerful approach,” he said.

However he does not see any room for the commodity varieties of Royal Gala and Braeburn.

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