Brazil's high fruit demand didn't prevent the general collapse of the external trade of pears and apples. The exchange rate lag was a determining factor in this trading debtiacle. Better prospects are expected for 2013.
The National Health and Quality Agricultural Food Service (SENASA) released official statistics of last year's total pear and apple exports, despite Brazil's strong demand for the Argentinean fruits, one of the worst seasons in recent decades both in the amounts of fruit exported and foreign income perceived.
Pome exports totalled 482.4 million dollars in 2012. A value that reflects a close to 22% decrease when compared to the consolidated sales in the previous year. According to statistics released by SENASA, exports were somewhat higher than 530,000 tons, 26% below than what was achieved in 2011.
The country lost incomes of 135 million dollars in the external trade of these products. The exchange rate lag was a determining factor in this debacle.
As reported by Agro Valley, prices are reaching new highs in Europe this season. There is hope that the arrival of the southern hemisphere fruit to overseas markets does not alter this positive scenario.
Pears and apples quotations, both in Europe and in Russia, have experienced an average increase of 20% when compared to the previous year.
Most regional companies surveyed say they are increasing their programs compared to the ones they shut down throughout the 2012 season. This certainly creates great expectations for the overseas-destined fruit, which has had it rough for the past three seasons.
"We expect a strong recovery in exports to Europe and Russia this year. Fruit prices in these destinations are really important, we can't miss this opportunity and should take advantage of it "said a senior official of the Department of Pomology when asked about the subject.
Meanwhile, companies are cutting deals with producers at higher prices than in the previous season. Some say up to 30 cents of a dollar for the pear, the fruit most demanded by exporters.
Source: infocampo.com.ar
