Rambutan producers from Soconusco are getting ready to look for other distribution channels because of the possible difficulties that Mexico and Chiapas might have in sending their products to the United States, due to the obstacles or prohibitions that President Donald Trump could issue in the near future.
Rambutan, an exotic fruit that has great acceptance in the US, could be banned from entering the US, along with avocados from Guadalajara and the lemons from Argentina.
The president of the Soconusco's Rambutan Agricultural Producers Association, Alfredo Lopez Garcia, expressed the productive sector's concern at losing the US market, as they had established the export of this exotic fruit to that market in recent years and have excellent business opportunities there.
He said that last year they had exported some 7,500 tons of rambutan to the US, which is a great destination with great prices, especially because of the increase of the dollar in recent months. He asked the different branches of government for their support to place the product into new markets.
He said producers were looking to open new markets in Mexico, as there are very few states that market the exotic fruit. Mexico only consumes 20 percent of its rambutan production so producers will visit new markets so that consumers get to know their product.
They also looking to strengthen trade ties with Central American countries, which in recent years have become the sector's main markets, especially Guatemala, which consumes 60 percent of their production.
"If we don't open new marketing channels in Mexico or in Central America, there will be a glut of product that would represent a loss for the sector, especially because the fruit has a short shelf life," he said.
In face of the possible restrictions, he called on authorities to support the agricultural sectors, which are a key part of the country's economic chain. The government, however, has been very distant and apathetic in providing confidence in face of this complicated business scenario.
Source: elsoldetlaxcala.com.mx