According to a study by the Mediterranean Foundation, the citrus industry is Argentina's most competitive export sector. Shipments of that industry (of fresh lemon, lemon oil, and lemon juice) exceed by far the placements of other products. Fresh lemon exports account for 15% of the global market and lemon oil, up to 40%. By way of comparison, the share of tea exports amount to 1.8%; apple exports to 2.1%; beef exports to 2.6%, and wine to 2.6%. Only pear exports achieve a comparable share with 14.6%.
The citrus exports amounted to 570 million dollars, and have had an annual average growth of 9% over the past 15 years. Argentina is among the leading producers and exporters of lemon.
Its most important customers are developed countries, among which the European Union stands out with the largest share. The counter station is a factor that helps exports.
The study, which was led by Jorge Vasconcelos, focused on the case of La Moraleja, an establishment located in Salta, some distance away from the most productive heartland of Tucuman. The establishment was taken as an example to analyse how the agricultural frontier could be expanded. La Moraleja, which has 4,000 hectares planted, is about to increase its acreage to 5,000 hectares, which will allow it to produce 160,000 tons per year.
La Moraleja is better known for its industrial products. In 2015, sales of fresh lemon only accounted for 4% of La Moraleja's invoices. The remaining 96% was achieved through sales of industrial products. Moreover, 95% of the total turnover in 2015 was achieved through sales to foreign markets.
Source: ieco.clarin.com