Strike action among farmers in Argentina blockading roads has spread and as some citrus producers in north-eastern Argentina this week joined the protests in solidarity, the impact of almost three weeks of action is being felt in export markets.

“It is a big problem,” said Ken Smith of importer Greencell. “There were no exports last week.” On Wednesday he was hoping the situation would normalise. “But nothing is certain,” said Smith. “It’s a big shame for the early soft citrus out of Argentina. The season was delayed three weeks due to maturity, and now there are more delays on shipments at peak harvesting time.”

This could create some supply and demand issues on the UK marketplace as potentially delayed fruit will arrive at the same time as the peak of the South African season. “There is no shortage from either area so we could see a possible oversupply situation in three to four weeks time,” warned Smith. “But between now and then fruit will remain fairly tight.” However, Smith is very upbeat about quality in terms of appearance and flavour this year both from Argentina and South Africa. “So we would expect good sales and also there is a good demand for soft citrus globally,” he concluded.

Producers have been protesting increased export taxes on soya and so far in almost three weeks have blocked more than 400 roads preventing produce reaching ports and basic foodstuffs arriving at large population centres.

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