Blanca Gonzales Zamata, manager of Agroganadera Universal S.A.C. explained that the production of onion, garlic and paprika in Arequipa has fallen significantly as a result of low exports. She reported that, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia had imported Chinese garlic this year, neglecting Arequipa's production.
"The Chinese garlic price is far below ours. If they sell a 10 kilo box for $10, we sell it for $25," she said.
The difference is due to production costs. In 2012, in order to recover 70% of their investment, producers sold at low prices, but this year the situation is far worse.
The production is only for local consumption. Paprika producers are facing the same situation. The reason being the crisis in Spain. Onions have come to cost 30 cents in the field.