Following an intense period of negotiation, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has authorised the import of five species of Peruvian fresh citrus fruits into the Chinese market, according to the Peruvian agricultural health service Senasa.
Under the deal, Peru has been granted access for fresh grapefruit, mandarin oranges, tangerines and other hybrids, as well as oranges, Sutil limes and Tahiti limes.
“After conducting a number of meetings and exchanging technical opinions, Peruvian citrus products will now join table grapes and mangoes as products which have access to the Chinese market,” commented a spokesperson for Senasa.
“This new trade opportunity for Peruvian citrus suppliers represents an incentive to improve and enlarge their groves since they now have access to a solid and guaranteed international market.”
The opening up of the Chinese market is the result of the signing of the Peru-China Memorandum of Understanding for phytosanitary cooperation, which was promoted by Peru’s Minister of Agriculture Ismael Benavides.
Representatives from the national phytosanitary authorities of both Peru and China met on 24-25 June in Beijing, China, to finalise the protocol, following a visit by a Chinese technical delegation to Peru’s main citrus production areas and packhouses in Ica, Lima and Piura on 21 April.
Senasa is also reportedly working to open up the Chinese market for Peruvian green asparagus, avocados and potatoes.
