Last Friday, Japan authorized opening its market to Argentine sweet citrus. Chancellor, Héctor Timerman, met with the governor of Entre Ríos, Sergio Urribarri, and representatives of the fruit sector, who analysed the implications of the announcement and the steps to follow to start export operations to the Japanese market.
The amendment to the regulations of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will allow Argentina to export sweet oranges (Washington Navel, Lane Late and Salustiana varieties) as well as Mandarins (Clementine, Ellendale, Murcott and Nova varieties) with cold treatment to that destination.
The Japanese market for these citrus was closed for Argentina and the country's Foreign Ministry and SENASA have been working together for a decade to open it.
Throughout the negotiations, the quality of Argentine citrus as well as the excellence of the health and quality control processes carried out in the country, have been certified.
In 2013, Japan imported 111,000 tons of oranges and 16,000 tons of tangerines, with an annual value of U.S. $128 million and $28 million respectively. Their main suppliers of oranges are the United States, Australia and South Africa; while their main suppliers of tangerines are the United States, Australia and Israel.
The opening of the Japanese market brings new possibilities for Argentine producers of sweet citrus for exporting their products to a very demanding and large-scale market, which will result in higher revenues for the regional economies, particularly for the NOA and NEA.
