Regional pear and apple exports to overseas markets totaled 203,187 tons in the first seven months of the year, which represents a year-on-year growth of around 7.5%.
This data was released this weekend through a report prepared by the port terminal Patagonia Norte SA, which contemplates shipments only through San Antonio and BahÃa Blanca. The report also states that the pear and apple export season is coming to an end. During July, the region only exported about 2,000 tons of fruit.
At the beginning of the year, regional operators expected exports to overseas markets would increase more than they have. According to initial forecasts, after the historical lows reached in 2017, exports were expected to increase by around 15%. However, to date, exports have only grown by 7.5%. "We did not have the quantity or quality that the markets were demanding," said one of the major regional exporters when asked about the issue.
In the current season, the international context was positive for the activity. Producers expected to achieve good prices and position a greater quantity of fruit in northern hemisphere markets, which achieved low harvest volumes. However, that didn't happen. In these first seven months of the year, Russia was the main destination market for Argentinian apples and pear exports, as it accounted for 43% of the placements that were shipped through San Antonio and Bahia Blanca. It was followed by the Netherlands, with 16% of the total volume exported.. Meanwhile, Italy and the United States ranked as the third and fourth biggest destinations for this Argentinean fruits, respectively.
According to most of the exporters consulted, the important thing is that pear and apple exports are no longer falling. Producers expect that, from now on, exports will progressively grow again, taking into account the high and competitive dollar policy projected by the national government for the coming years.
In spite of this, it will be difficult to rebuild the Valley, as the structural damage it suffered in recent years has been significant.
Source: reionegro.com.ar