Rio Negro exported a total of 140,668 tons of pears and apples in the first three months of the year, i.e. 16% less than in the same period of the previous year.
According to a recent report by Senasa, apple exports fell by 37% and pear exports by 15% in the period under analysis.
The data reflect the crisis facing the sector. This season's export levels are the lowest in the past 30 years, according to statistics from the private sector.
With the arrival of the new government also came the devaluation of December of 2015, that took the dollar from around 9 pesos to nearly 14 pesos, and the removal of taxes on foreign commerce. At that time, the new scenario changed the expectations of the sector. Unfortunately, the rise in costs ended, invalidating any possible benefit. Today the reality is that the exchange rate lag is hurting the activity again, and that there are few signs of change, at least in the short term.
The fall in apple exports in this first part of the year was significant. Additionally, Argentina imports these fruits from third countries that compete on price and quality in the local market.
Russia was the main buyer, as it purchased 2,720 tons in the first quarter of 2017, i.e. 21% more than the 2,250 tons it purchased in the same period of the previous year. The Brazilian market, which used to be main destination seasons ago, collapsed. It fell by 71%, year over year. Brazil went from importing about 7,900 tons of apples to a little more than 1,600 tons in the same period of analysis. Bolivia and Paraguay bought about 4,000 tons in the first quarter, i.e. about 20% less than in the same period of the previous year.
Regarding apple imports, Senasa's report stresses that the country imported 195 tons in the first three months of this year. This figure is low in relation to Argentina's domestic market consumption. However, this is the first time in decades that the country has imported apples for the domestic market at the same time as the Valley's harvest period, which is when there is more supply of fruit and prices drop.
Last year, apples imports totalled 3,000 tons. This year, purchases to third countries, especially to Chile, which has a very good offer and low prices, are expected to increase because of the little local production, low quality, and high costs. This trend would be defined in the second half of the year.
Source: rionegro.com.ar