Peru has reportedly consolidated its position as the leading Latin American exporter of vegetables to the US (excluding Nafta competitors), ahead of Guatemala.
During the first six months of 2008, the South American nation exported US$121m-worth of vegetable products to the US, up 27 per cent on the year-earlier period.
Fresh vegetables accounted for more than US$47m of the total shipments, while prepared and conserved vegetables represented US$60m.
Asparagus, artichokes and peppers were the most significant vegetable export items, with onions ranking as a new star product within Peru’s vegetable offer.
Guatemala came second behind Peru, exporting some US$53m-worth of vegetable products to the US during the first half of this year – an increase of 35 per cent on the same period in 2007.
Guatemala’s leading export items included broccoli, peas and beans, with cauliflower also emerging as a strong supply line.
Costa Rica ranked third, exporting US$44m-worth of vegetables, including yuca, cassava and palm hearts, with US$30m of the total corresponding to fresh vegetable shipments.
Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Canada also exported vegetables to the US in the first half of 2008, albeit in smaller volumes.
