Exports of Argentinean fresh fruits and vegetables from the Port of San Antonio Este have registered an 18 per cent decrease to 411,00 tonnes during the first six months of 2008 in comparison to the year-earlier period.
According to figures from the Port Authority of Northern Patagonia, shipments of pears from the port totalled some 262,000 tonnes, down 7 per cent on the same period in 2007, with apple volumes also falling by 34 per cent to 134,000 tonnes.
In terms of destination ports, Italy saw the greatest growth in volumes, receiving 49,000 tonnes of fruit – an increase of 10 per cent in comparison to the first six months of 2007.
Russia also recorded a rise in shipments from the Port of San Antonio Este, handling 3 per cent more fruit than the same period last year.
Fresh produce exports from Argentina's Port of Bahía Blanca, meanwhile, continue to expand.
During January to June this year, shipments totalled some 111,00 tonnes, with fruits and vegetables accounting for 68,000 tonnes alone.
Pear volumes reached 27,000 tonnes, while apples registered 24,000 tonnes.
Located in Río Negro, the Port of San Antonio Este is one of Argentina’s largest logistics hubs for fresh produce.
