Argentina accelerates efforts to access US sweet citrus market
Written and reported by Macarena Bravo | Lee esta noticia en Español
After months, the sweet citrus industry is finally in the final steps before the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) green-lights the access.
Roberto Varela, executive manager of the Northeast Argentine Citrus Exporters Chamber, says the process had already reached this point but stalled in 2019, right after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducted technical inspections in Argentina.
Today, the situation is different. Varela told Argentine outlet La Nación, that the only thing left to get access is the publication of the Pest Risk Analysis in the US Federal Register, which opens the regulation for a public consultation period of approximately 60 days.
Once that period ends, the USDA evaluates the comments and issues a final ruling, which, if favorable, would allow Argentina to begin importing sweet citrus.
US market potential for sweet citrus
José Carbonell, president of Federcitrus, told Freshfruitportal.com that there is a clear opportunity to supply the market, which is growing in demand and has insufficient local production.
However, he noted that once the agreement is finalized, initial export volumes will be moderate and will depend on the development of commercial relationships.
“No exporter wants to launch without having secured deals and defined clients,” he said.
He added that exports will focus mainly on oranges and mandarins, while grapefruit will likely play a limited role due to its higher profitability in the juice and oil industries.
Beyond the numbers, Carbonell emphasized that access to the US market represents a qualitative leap for Argentina’s citrus industry, not only in terms of commercial opportunities but also as recognition of its quality and sanitary standards at an international level.
While the industry awaits the final decision to begin exporting sweet citrus to the United States, it’s preparing for a challenging harvest season, marked by weak domestic demand and adverse weather.
Looking at oranges, Carbonell noted that global orange production has declined significantly in recent years—by more than 30 million tons—largely due to Huanglongbing (HLB), and adds that Argentina’s citrus industry is confident it can develop a reasonable market without affecting US production or competing with other suppliers.
If the market opens, Carbonell says it will create a new gateway for Argentine exports and represent a key opportunity to boost employment and strengthen regional economies.
*Main image generated with artificial intelligence.
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