Heavy rains across Argentina’s main fruit growing regions in April and May have led to a significant fall in the country’s export volume in the first five months of the year according to Buenos Aires-based consultancy firm Abeceb.
Citrus had been particularly badly affected, with orange exports down by 86 per cent between January and May compared to the year-earlier period, and mandarins and grapefruit down 43 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.
However, lemon exports increased by 62 per cent in the five-month period, reflecting a return to normal production following several years of freezes and droughts and strong demand in Europe caused by the fall in Spanish lemon production.
However, Abeceb noted that the rainfall is likely to curb lemon output over the coming months.
Apples and pears have also been affected by the rains and flooding, with exports contracting by 4.8 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively between January and May.
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