U.S. President Donald Trump's announcements to increase fruit tariffs by 10% have raised concerns in the sector. The main question is who will bear this additional cost, as it's unlikely that American consumers, who are not flexible to price increases, will assume it, and retailers do not want to risk their market share. Topinfo's Betina Ernst said producers and exporters face the dilemma of absorbing the cost or seeking other markets, which is complicated by the redistribution of world trade. Chile and Peru have had smooth trade relations with tariff advantages, but it is uncertain whether this will be an advantage in the current negotiations.
Dependence on the U.S. market varies according to products and suppliers. For example, 90% of Chilean citrus is destined for the United States, while only 3% of its cherries are sent to that country. The United States is the main market for Peru's fruits, receiving 37% of the volume and accounting for 42% of their export value. Peruvian blueberries depend heavily on this market, with 56% of the volume and 58% of the value. Mandarins, grapes, mangoes, and limes also have a significant dependence on the U.S. market.
The Chilean fruit sector's dependence on the United States is lower than in Peru. Chile exports 32% of its volume to the U.S., generating 16% of the value of fruit exports. Chilean cherries are mainly shipped to China, where they are sold at higher prices. Chilean citrus fruits are almost completely dependent on the United States, while cherries, apples, pears, and avocados have a low incidence in that market.
Argentina has the lowest dependence on the United States, with only 20% of its fruit exports. Lemon is the most dependent product, as 57% of the volume is shipped to the U.S., which accounts for 55% of the export value. Brazil and other Latin American countries are the main markets for Argentina's apples and pears, and only 15% of pears and 2% of apples are sent to the United States.
Source: lagaceta.com.ar
