Authorities from the northern Chilean city of Arica confirmed yesterday that Peru had blocked the entrance of Chilean apples, website Elmorrocotudo.cl reported.

Arica's mayor José Durana explained in a press conference that since Sept. 4, Peru had blocked the fruit, which must now comply with a number of new provisions including methyl bromide fumigation.

The Chilean publication described the blockage as a clear response to Chilean restrictions on Peruvian avocados. The entrance of Peruvian avocado to Chile has been under debate due to fears from Chilean authorities over sunblotch.

Peru may now be applying pressure on Chile to ease up avocado restrictions, a source from the Agriculture and Livestock Services (SAG) told Elmorrocotudo.cl.

At Wednesday's press conference, industry professionals warned against the impact that such restrictions could have on the local economy and importers in Peru.

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