Following 20 years of negotiations the US citrus import industry has welcomed the USDA’s proposal to allow exports from Uruguay into the US market.
One major importer-distributor told Americafruit that the deal would benefit Uruguayan mandarins in particular given the high demand on the US market for easy peelers, especially seedless varieties.
Uruguay has indicated that it is willing to start exports very slowly and in small volume in order to develop a sustainable supply programme with the US, representatives revealed to Americafruit.
The final resolution to amend USDA import regulations was passed on 6 February, initiating a 60-day public review period after which the agency will analyse all of the comments in detail and decide on the next steps.
If approved, access may be granted towards the end of the summer which coincides with the latter stages of Uruguay’s citrus season.
If that is the case, trade representatives have suggested that Uruguay may carry out some small-scale trials at the end of its 2013 citrus season.
All being well, full season Uruguayan citrus exports to the US could get underway in earnest next year.
Uruguay’s minister of agriculture Tabaré Aguerre has said that the proposal is very good news for the country’s citrus industry, which comprises 16,000ha of planted groves and provides employment for over 15,000 families.
