Peruvian citrus might have new route to U.S. market
The U.S. Ministry of Agriculture of the United States, in collaboration with its respective agencies has taken steps to launch a project that will allow Peruvian citrus fruits to find a new trade route to enter the Unites States.
In a meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Lima (CCL), Eric Olafson, director of the Port of Miami, said they are working so that the Peruvian citrus can enter the country directly through the port of Miami, as these products are not yet allowed to enter the state of Florida.
Additionally, the project involved Florida's Ministry of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection because Florida is a citrus producing state that has extremely strict controls to prevent the spread of the fruit fly, which exists in Peru.
"We hope to have news soon; these processes take time to determine the best procedures to minimize risks. Hopefully, the first shipments of citrus will enter the country via Miami in coming months," Olafson was quoted as saying by Freshplaza.com.
In this regard, Carlos Garcia, Manager of the Centre of Foreign Trade (CCEX) of the CCL, said there was no doubt it was important to have more points of entry into the U.S., Peru's main market, because it was very important for the country to continue increasing exports.
"Increasing the frequency of shipments to Miami should lead to a reduction in the logistics costs in storage and transportation of our products to United States and, therefore, increase our competitiveness," he said.
According to data from CCEX, exports of fresh citrus to the U.S. between January and June this year amounted to nearly $14 million dollars, i.e. 90% more than in the same period last year. The shipping volume recorded in the first half of the year totalled 10,000 tons.
Olafson pointed out that opening the Port of Miami would bring greater opportunities for both countries and increase bilateral trade.