Pineapples exports from Costa Rica totalled USD 468.5 million, representing a growth of 8.5% compared to 431.9 million registered in the same period of 2011, said an official source.
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister, Anabel González, said in a statement that China is one of the markets that Costa Rica is more interested in, especially with the free trade agreement in force.
"During the first seven months of the year, product exports to China have grown 107%. To this country we send orange pulp, juice and fruit concentrates, among others," said Gonzalez.
Costa Rican sales to Asia increased by 33.9%, North America 7.7% and the European Union 10.1%, according to official data.
The main destination of Costa Rican products is North America, primarily the U.S., with a share of 42%, followed by the European Union with 18.5%, Central America with 13.8% and Asia with 13%, respectively.