Even though the United States continues to ban the import of Jalisco's avocados despite the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, their fruit producers do not foresee any ill effects.
By contrast, at the end of 2017, they have projected a 132% export increase compared to 2016, said Ignacio Gómez Arregui, director of the Jalisco Association of Exporters of Avocado Producers (Apeajal).
"In 2016, 120,000 tons were harvested and 68,000 were exported, and this year we expect to harvest 140,000 tons and we estimate that 90,000 tons will be exported," he said.
"Our interest, rather than increasing other markets, is to consolidate in the countries where we are already present," said the director of Apeajal.
He also explained that in the case of avocado produced in Jalisco its main market is Japan, although Canada and European countries have also registered growth, as well as Central, South America and Middle East.
Regarding foreign trade with the United States, Gómez Arregui indicated that despite the sector's interest in exporting to the natural market that is the northern neighbor, the exporting producers of the fruit will not have a major impact if the government of Donald Trump continues to prevent the entry of Jalisco avocados into the country.
"We are confident that the federal authority will do the same. We hope to benefit, as we do not see why there are restrictions. So far, even without selling to the United States, the sector's exports continue to grow, "he added.
It will remain expensive
Although avocado growers projected a reduction in the price of fruit for the final consumer as of July, due to an increase in supply, so far it has not been significant.
The director of Apeajal said that the increase in production has not been sufficient to supply the demand of domestic and foreign markets.
"Starting in July, there was more supply and we expected the price to go downwards. It has done so, but not at the levels we expected, "said Gómez.
He added that these price levels are inconvenient for producers, because of the withdrawal of local consumers.
The director attributed the increase in global demand, of the so-called green gold, with the diffusion of studies, especially during the last two years, pointing out the health benefits and nutritional richness of the fruit.
"It was what increased demand for avocado. There has been a worldwide increase in demand and production is not at that same level. Other countries are pushing hard, but the avocado takes several years, we are not going to produce from day to day everything that is being demanded, "he said.
Elasticity
The Apeajal's director reiterated that unlike other fruits, the avocado "has had great elasticity", since consumer demand continues to grow despite its price increase.
"At an international level, avocado was at one dollar a piece or 75 cents, and today it is double and it is consumed even more than before. That does not happen with other products, the avocado is showing great elasticity on the part of the consumer, "he said.
Source: eleconomista.com.mx
