South Africa has officially approved market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states.
"After years of stalled progress, we thank the Trump administration for prioritizing this request and finally getting the South African market open for U.S. fresh blueberries," said North American Blueberry Council (NABC) president Kasey Cronquist. "We're grateful to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for its collaboration, and for securing a science-based and practical work plan for blueberry growers and packers."
While acknowledging that South Africa's blueberry market has changed since the original access request, Cronquist emphasized that NABC is optimistic about the future of U.S. blueberry exports. "We believe strongly in the importance of open, science-based trade and will continue working to expand and strengthen global market access for U.S. blueberry growers," he said.
© NABC
When the request was first made nearly a decade ago, U.S. blueberries would have held a dominant position in the South African market. In the years since, however, production from Morocco, Zimbabwe, and other African nations has surged, establishing them as key suppliers to South Africa.
"This is a clear example of the risks when market access is delayed," Cronquist said. "Competitors fill the gap, capture market share and limit opportunities for U.S. growers."
NABC is also working to secure expanded access to South Korea and new access to Australia and New Zealand. "We appreciate the ongoing efforts of USDA and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on these priorities, and we're hopeful that, under the Trump administration, we can open these new markets and create profitable opportunities for U.S. blueberry growers," Cronquist said.
For more information:
Alyssa Houtby
North American Blueberry Council
[email protected]
https://nabc.blueberry.org/
