In terms of exports, Tucuman will end 2015 in a positive way, especially in the lemon sector, as exports increased by 26%. Producers and the provincial government have good expectations for 2016.
In this regard, the Minister of Productive Development of Tucuman, Luis Fernandez, said that, "we've exported 26% more than last year. If everything continues at a normal pace, we will close this year with $900 million dollars in exports."
Regarding citrus, the Minister of Productive Development said, "exports of fresh lemons increased by 23% in terms of volume, reaching 136,000 tons against the 110,000 tons obtained in 2014. However, prices were lower so the income did not grow much." Brazil and the United States were the main destinations for exports from Tucuman. In 2014, Brazil was the strongest destination, something that changed this year, as the US had a stronger market opening.
Fernandez said that this was due to "the significant increase in derivatives, such as lemon oil, juice, and lemon skin, caused by the higher harvest volume. It is a sector that had a very good placement."
The official also spoke about the situation of cranberry, which was damaged by bad weather. "The production was coming along just right, however, due to the heavy rains, the crops were damaged and the fruit's quality decreased. Naturally, the export sector prioritized quality," he said. "That is to say, there was a decrease in exports of fresh fruit, but there will be a greater volume of frozen blueberries exported," he added.
There are a lot of expectations for 2016 in the province of Tucuman, as the Minister of Productive Development estimated the volume of exports would increase. The challenge now is to work to open new markets. In this regard, a delegation from the Chinese Government will visit the northern province today and tomorrow.
