Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).

As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.
Thanks!

Click here for a guide on disabling your adblocker.

Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

USDA eases import rules for Chilean table grapes, boosting exports

In a groundbreaking development for the agricultural trade sector, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a pivotal update in import regulations set to significantly impact the table grape industry. As of July 2024, specific regions in Chile, recognized for their low prevalence or absence of the European grapevine moth, have been greenlit to export table grapes to the U.S. under new, less stringent requirements. This strategic move not only aims to safeguard U.S. agriculture from the threat of the Chilean false red mite but also marks a significant shift towards reducing the reliance on methyl bromide, a potent fumigant with environmental repercussions. The updated regulations are expected to bolster the competitiveness of Chilean table grapes on the global stage.


Click here to enlarge

Forecasts for the Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25 indicate a promising outlook for Chile's fruit production and export capabilities. Table grape production is projected to see a 6.6 percent increase, reaching a total of 723,000 metric tons (MT), driven by high yields. This surge in production is anticipated to propel exports up by 7.8 percent, totaling 570,000 MT. The apple and pear sectors are also set to experience growth, with production and export figures showing positive trends. This article delves into the implications of the USDA's recent policy update, exploring its potential impacts on Chile's fruit export industry and the broader agricultural trade dynamics between Chile and the United States.


Click here to enlarge

In MY 2024/25, Post estimates table grape production will increase by 6.6 percent, totaling 723,000 MT due to high yields and assuming no unexpected climatic events that could hinder production. Table grape yields will increase due to favorable climatic conditions, such as abundant rainfall and a high accumulation of chill hours in the winter.

In MY 2024/25, Post projects a 2.3 percent reduction in the area planted with table grapes, bringing the total to 39,000 hectares. The area dedicated to table grapes has been declining for over a decade due to narrow profit margins. Increased competition from other suppliers and low prices for traditional varieties like crimson, flame, and red globe have forced smaller table grape exporters out of the market.


Click here to enlarge

Data from the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture's Office of Policy and Studies (ODEPA) indicates a decrease in the area planted with table grapes across all production regions in Chile. The northern Atacama region has seen a particularly sharp decline due to low prices and high production costs, including labor, transport, and chemical products. Grapes from the Atacama region face intense competition from Peruvian grapes in the U.S. market, which drives their prices down. Nationwide, the demand for new grape varieties further tightens profit margins, as renewing grape orchards requires a significant investment from producers.

To read the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: [email protected]
www.usda.gov

Publication date: