Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) together with Frutas de Chile have been meeting for the past week with phytosanitary authorities from Japan, Korea, and China to prepare the 2024-2025 fruit export season and promote the entry of new Chilean fruits to these markets. The delegation, led by José Guajardo, national director of SAG, is made of SAG professionals and private sector representatives and focused on discussing advances and phytosanitary requirements to export Chilean products, such as apples, to these Asian markets.
In Japan, the delegation addressed advances for the entry of Chilean apples to this market and measures against fruit fly outbreaks, including the possibility of implementing cold treatment in transit for all fruits authorized to enter the Japanese market produced within regulated areas. The parties also discussed the implementation of electronic phytosanitary certificates (e-Phytos) by Japan.
In South Korea, the talks focused on advancing the stages to open this market to new fruits, including a visit of experts from the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) to Chile to agree on pest mitigation measures. The implementation of an electronic phytosanitary certificate pilot program between Chile and South Korea, which has been working satisfactorily, was highlighted at the meeting.
The Chilean delegation held meetings with the ambassadors of Chile to Japan and South Korea, in which they discussed the importance of Chile's food presence at the Osaka Expo 2024 and the evolution of the talks to update the FTA with South Korea, respectively.
Chile sent more than 32,000 tons of fresh fruits to Japan during the 2023-2024 season. The main export products were lemons, table grapes, and kiwis. Over 33,000 tons were shipped to South Korea, with table grapes and cherries leading exports. These meetings are crucial to strengthen the presence of Chilean fruits in Asian markets and to improve conditions for the 2024-2025 export season.
Source: simfruit.cl