With this new projection, the country is looking to close its campaign with an adjusted export forecast eight percent below an already lowered figure.
The reason behind the department's decision remains unclear, but it leaves Chilean exporters with little to no recourse to reverse the ruling in this case.
Key varieties like Crimson grapes face increased risk of splitting and rot as producers step up preventive measures.
INIA, the country’s leading agricultural research institute, is looking to determine if adopting controlled irrigation systems can conserve water, without sacrificing fruit quality.
Industry body Frutas de Chile said the slight downward adjustment was mainly due to climatic conditions and changing dynamics in the country's producing regions.
With more stable market conditions, the firm is reducing its reliance on the US market by exploring European and Latin American clusters.
Despite market pressure from other origins, high-quality output should fetch attractive prices in Europe starting in April.
The Chilean Table Grape Committee is projecting a total volume of over 63,6 million 18-pound boxes, representing a slight 6.4 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
The filing opens a 90-day period during which the agency will defend its 2024 decision to unlock the protocol for exporters in the Latin American country.
In a notice, the agency stated "APHIS will only issue import permits for grapes treated with fumigation either in Chile or upon arrival at a US port of entry,"
