With only a few days of the 2008 season remaining, Argentina is reported to have recorded an important growth in citrus exports in comparison to 2007, according to a local news report.
The South American nation has shipped 471,076 tonnes of citrus fruits so far this season, driven mainly by a growth in lemon volumes, compared with the 430,761 tonnes exported during the same period of 2007.
Up to week 32 (4-10 August), Argentinean lemon exports rose to 305,324 pallets compared with 245,787 pallets in the year-earlier period.
Grapefruit volumes have also grown to 32,116 pallets, against 26,565 pallets in 2007, while oranges have increased by almost 13,000 pallets in comparison to last year.
Overall, Argentina has enjoyed solid prices for citrus fruits on the European market, particularly during the first half of the season due to a shortage of lemons in the EU.
Demand for citrus juice, oil and peel has also driven the trade of Argentinean citrus fruits this season.
