The fruit season registered a 4.3% volume increase in exports between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2017, reaching 2,597,756 tons. In spite of the season's increase, it does not beat the record 2.6 million tons of the 2012-2013 season.
According to data from the Central Bank, from September 2016 to August 2017, the fruit sector shipped US $ 5,004 million.
Ronald Bown, president of the Association of Chilean Fruit Exporters (Asoex) points out that although "the season was affected by adverse climatic elements for fruit growing, such as frost and unexpected rains that had effects on production and shipments abroad," there was a higher volume of exports compared to the previous period.
Bown noted that "in this campaign, practically all species had a harvest advance of between two and three weeks, which led to exports starting earlier, and therefore matched local production, and those from third party countries, which had a negative effect on the normal behavior of markets. "
Destinations
The US, Canada and Europe were the destination regions that showed a growth in exports, with 9.7%; 6.4% and 8.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the Far East and Latin America had a slight decrease of -0.6% and -2.2% each. The Middle East, meanwhile, showed a drop of 8%, explained by lower exports to Saudi Arabia (-5%) and United Arab Emirates (-14%).
"This season we had very good news in the Far East. We got our nectarines into China, as well as blueberries and avocados to India. In addition, we have begun negotiations for the entry of our pears into the Chinese market, and avocado into South Korea," Bown said.
There are five markets that concentrate 60% of exports: with 869,296 tons -China-Hong Kong; with 269,117 tonnes - the Netherlands, Colombia and England. Thus, the USA remains as the main destination market for the country's fresh fruits, and China is consolidating as the second.
"China's market has become a destination of the highest interest for our industry. Thanks to the industry's efforts, together with the public sector, we have established ourselves as the first supplier of fresh fruits to China," said Bown.
With regard to fruit species, table grapes are Chile's first exported fruit, with 732,498 tonnes, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in relation to 2015-2016. In second place are the red apples with 616.694 tons. These are followed by kiwis, with 179,393 tonnes. Other fruits that recorded increases were avocados with 36.5%, pears with 17%, a 13.8% increase in cherry shipments, and a 13.7% in cranberries.
Source: latercera.com