Chile: Export growth of cherries and cranberries continues

The Chilean fresh fruit registered shipments for USD 1,800 million in the first two months of the year, highlighting the growth of shipments of cranberries, cherries and plums.

According to figures from the Directorate General of International Economic Relations of Chile (DIRECON), the fresh fruit sector had a slight decrease of 0.2% year-on-year, although some products in the category reached higher figures compared to January and February. last year.

Cherries added shipments for USD 832 million with a rise of 1.4%, while blueberries totaled USD 430 million due to 5.9% more and plums registered USD 75 million and an increase of 36%.

Meanwhile, if only the exports made during February are considered, these fell by 12% compared to the 2018 amounts.

On the other hand, Chile’s trade in all categories totaled USD 23,712 million during the first two months of the year, after a year-on-year decrease of 1.8%.

Rodrigo Yáñez, director general of DIRECON indicated that “it is remarkable that fruits that are so relevant for our producers and exporters continue to increase their shipments in a sustained manner, which accounts for the efforts of our entrepreneurs and the international recognition they have achieved.”

“We will continue working on our negotiations with new markets and updating trade agreements, to continue opening more doors, especially for women and SMEs,” added Yañez.