Within the framework of strategic planning that began in 2010, the Uruguayan citrus sector adopted some parameters to produce products that comply with some of the most important requirements of the US market: mandarins without seeds, good color, and that are easy to peel.
Good results were achieved and at present the importance of citrus exports to the United States continues to grow.
Between January and the start of June, Uruguayan shipments of mandarins, oranges, and lemons amounted to 30,000 tons worth US $20 million. 60% of this volume was placed in the United States, 20% in the European Union and the remaining was distributed among Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, among other destinations.
Exports to the US market achieved higher prices and a lower import tariff in relation to the European Union, which was the most important market, but registered a downward trend after Uruguay was excluded from the General System of Preferences. In Europe, the income of mandarins has a tariff of 16%, while in the United States it is 0%.
The general director of Agricultural Services of the Ministry of Livestock Agriculture and Fisheries, Federico Montes, said that despite the progressive increase in exports to the United States after the opening of that market in 2013 - when the country made a symbolic shipment-, by the end of the year the numbers between the European Union and the United States will be more distributed, once the orange season arrives.
"The US market was always very important for the citrus sector because it imports large quantities at certain times, as it is in a different hemisphere. Uruguay can complement the North American market very well," he said.
Another key aspect was entering that market under the same conditions as our competitors, which are mainly Chile and Peru, he added.
"It is a market that will continue to grow and remains extremely attractive," he stated. Even though Europe and the United States manage the same volumes, the North American country pays higher prices.
Source: elobservador.com.uy