The Washington Apple Commission (WAC) has expressed concern over the US West Coast port congestion as it prepares to export its biggest crop.
“With the record apple crop we have having this year, the need to move Washington apples outside of the US is even greater,” Rebecca Lyons, WAC international marketing director, told Associated Press, adding that this year the state is exporting 50 per cent of its crop, up from the usual 30 per cent.
Lyons said this year’s crop of 155m 40-pound boxes is at risk of losing market share in the lead up to the Christmas period, with shipments needing to leave US ports before the end of November in order to clear customers and make it on to retail shelves in time.
“In some markets, like Central America, 50 per cent of our shipments occur before Christmas. Once you miss that Christmas window, it’s very difficult to catch up.”
US exporters told Fruitnet the delays have been the worst they’ve seen, with labour action further slowing cargo movement at the US Pacific Northwest ports down to Southern California.
