Brazil returns nine fruit trucks from Argentina

In the first 45 days of 2019, Brazil intercepted nine Argentine fruit trucks due to the discovery of Carpocapsa moths in the cargo. The rejections are a blow to the regional fruit growing sector in the Rio Negro and Neuquen valleys which is already facing a structural crisis. Brazil is the main export destination for fruit from these locations. According to Fresh Plaza, over 120,000 tons of pears and apples with a declared FOB value of US$150m are at stake. About half a dozen regional producers have already had exports to Brazil suspended by the Agricultural Fiscal Auditor of Brazil.

Next week, Senasa authorities will meet with CAFI and the Federation of Producers to work out a contingency plan to mitigate the Carpocapsa plague. It is also probable that delegates from Brazil will visit Argentina on a phytosanitary trip.

The following DataLiner graph shows Argentina’s apple and pear export trend to the world:

Senasa data suggests, Argentina’s export of apples and pears grew 25% to 407,000 tons in 2018, year-on-year.

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