Argentinean citrus exports have risen significantly during the first six months of 2008 on the back of a global shortage of lemons, according to the nation's agriculture and food certification and quality agency, Senasa.
Total citrus exports grew by almost 27 per cent to 337,160 pallets, according to figures published by Senasa, up from 264,133 pallets in the January-June period of 2007.
Lemons accounted for the bulk of shipments, with volumes reaching 240,000 pallets worth some US$12m, compared with 150,000 pallets during the same period last year.
Conversely, Senasa reported that orange and mandarin volumes fell by 15 per cent in comparison to last year, while grapefruit volumes increased by 31 per cent.
As of 30 June, Argentina has exported in the region of 28,000 pallets of grapefruit, 26,000 pallets of oranges and 46,700 pallets of mandarins.
Senasa said Russia was the leading export destination for Argentinean citrus fruits during the January to June period, with the Port of St Petersburg receiving 24 per cent of total shipments.
In addition, the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands received 17 per cent of volumes, followed by the ports of Cartagena (with 8 per cent), Vado and Thessalonica (5 per cent) and Barcelona (3 per cent).
